Proportional vs. Nonproportional Relationships

Middle school students are naturally concrete thinkers. Using manipulatives to represent situations is one method to extend students from concrete thinking to abstract thinking. The following activity prompts students to use color tiles to model relationships, transfer that model to a numerical table, and then differentiate the characteristics of proportional and nonproportional relationships within the context.

Investigation

This investigation provides your students with a common reference point for proportional relationships. A student record sheet is available to support the three "homework vs. video games" scenarios in the investigation. And suggestions for class discussion are included in the "Teacher Notes" section.

Proportional Relationships Record Sheet

The big ideas that are characteristic of proportional relationships can be summarized in a Frayer Model. Post this graphic while students are completing targeted practice with the key concepts. Then ask students to create a Frayer Model at the conclusion of the unit. You will be surprised by the detail they add to their own graphics!

Frayer Model

This investigation highlights Common Core State Standard 7.RP.A.2 that is included in MATH-7.