Day

Activities and Homework

1

Students will use Activity Sheet 1 to begin their study of linear equations within a supply/demand situation by plotting data points from a table.  In small groups, students will use Activity Sheet 2 to answer questions concerning their graphs from part 1, and find equations in x and y for the supply and demand lines.

For homework, students will individually apply the concepts from day 1 to a different set of supply and demand data.  After plotting points, they will find equations for the supply and demand lines, and use these equations to find the equilibrium point for this system.

For an introduction to basic supply and demand concepts and definitions, students can view a tutorial.  This site offers a comprehensive discussion of key terms and concepts, as well as an online quiz.

Students can also make use of an interactive tool designed to illustrate “best fit” lines for systems of data points.  Click here.

2

Homework from day 1 will be collected at the beginning of class.  Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the homework, or the previous day’s group work. 

Students will then work in pairs to complete Activity Sheet 3.  The assignment incorporates concepts from the first couple of activities, and also requires students to make estimations for certain situations based on non-linear data.

After activity 3, as a whole class, students will discuss what they have learned.  Discussion will focus on factors which affect supply and demand, reasons why supply and demand curves are usually non-linear, and other real-world examples of supply and demand situations.