LESSON PURPOSE:

1. Enrich students' understanding of two-dimensional x-y equations in a discovery-based or exploration-based activity.
2. Have students analyze linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, sine, tangent, and random number functions and equations.
3. Introduce sonifications of equations (hearable equations) as an alternative or supplement to visualizations of equations on traditional x-y graphs. It relies on the free Chordinates! web app online, by Pios Labs: https://www.pioslabs.com/chordinates/
4. Connect math with music, and spark interest and curiosity about algebraic relationships among more students.
5. Give an option for a more accessible math learning activity for students who want more auditory-based activities, or for visually impaired students.
6. Have students practice writing or communicating about their mathematical and algebraic ideas.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

This is a .zip file including:

1. An editable PowerPoint slide deck that guides the lesson.
2. Handouts, in the form of a PDF with more detailed guiding questions. The PDF has clickable links when relevant, such as to the sonification website. It also includes sample answers to the reflection questions.

TARGET LEVEL OF MATH CLASS:

• Pre-Algebra to College Algebra, high school to adult education.
• Already has knowledge of decimals, fractions, and graphing equations in the x-y plane.
• Has access to the internet and the free Chordinates! web app, preferably on Chrome or another compatible browser: https://www.pioslabs.com/chordinates/

DIFFERENTIATION OPTIONS:

• Students can work individually or in small groups, each with their own devices, internet connections, and speakers/headphones.
• The instructor can run the sonification generator from a main computer and speaker, rather than the students separately, while students listen, discuss, and reflect on what they hear and see. This then becomes more of a class activity.
• Only sonify some of the function types. You can leave out any topics if they are unrelated to what your students need to learn.
• Other sonification tools can be used, such as the Accessibility options in Desmos.com -- however these alternate options may not have the musical instrument "voice" or timbre of the sound in the Chordinates! app.
• If no sonification generator tool is used, this activity can be hugely extended into a large project, where students map equations to musical notes and musical instruments themselves, perhaps working in collaboration with Music or Computer Science classes.

OPTIONS FOR HOW TO USE THESE FILES:

• Use slides to guide the class activities, while students work independently, following the printed handout prompts.
• Distribute the handout file electronically, without answers, and have students answer the questions in a collaborative digital file.
• Integrate the lesson into your own plans, since the PowerPoint file is customizable.