Math Links for Week Ending August 15th, 2014

I am a sucker for re tooling popular games for the math classroom @samjshah at the Continuous Everywhere blog has done just that with the game Headbanz by adapting it for Rational Functions. The game is simple. A player has a graph that they cannot see stuck to their foreheads. They then can ask other players questions about the graph. After asking questions they then have to guess the equation of the graph. With the graphs and equations here you could probably play the game with Grade 11 University students but it is probably more suited for Grade 12 Advanced functions students. Download the cards at the link below and have fun.
Curriculum Tags: MCR3U, MHF4U
http://samjshah.com/2014/07/29/rational-function-headbandz/

I mentioned Central Park last week but here is the post from Desmos' blog just to be complete. As well as Dan Meyer's take on these "write an expression" problems. He helped design Central Park with Desmos so its worth a look too.
Curriculum Tags: Gr7, Gr8, MPM1D, MFM1P
http://blog.desmos.com/post/93135516497/central-park
http://blog.mrmeyer.com/2014/makeover-central-park-these-tragic-write-an-expression-problems/

If you are looking for a kinaesthetic activity to do with your kids that links to circumference of a circle, take a look at this one from @mr_stadel where he talks about making a circle with people. Perfect for getting those grade 8 kids up when doing the measurement unit.
Curriculum Tags: Gr8
http://mr-stadel.blogspot.ca/2014/08/people-circles.html

Wow Dan Meyer is really going all out with this new animated 3Acts. Perfect for talking about optimizing surface area, volume or perimeter. Check out his post below about how to use this "dandy"
Curriculum Tags: Gr7, Gr8, MPM1D, MFM1P
http://blog.mrmeyer.com/2014/purposeful-practice-dandy-candies/

I got a birthday card like this the other day.
Curriculum Tags: Gr7, Gr8