ENGAGE
1. As students enter the classroom, they should be given a group indicator that tells where to sit to begin working with assigned matrix investigation. Inform the students that their mission will be to determine the process for adding and subtracting Matrices.
EXPLORE
2. Student groups should develop strategies for adding and subtracting matrices. Student groups will have matrix problems and solutions of square and different size matrices.
3. They should record these findings on their own paper (this information is to be placed on poster paper and problems can be keyed into their graphing calculators).
4. The students should determine if their strategies are reputable and mathematically sound. They should look for patterns and list them on chart paper. The groups must agree on findings and be able to justify.
5. If students are unable to understand Matrices and dimensions, provide necessary feedback to move them forward with their thinking. Refer to: http://www.purplemath.com/modules/mtrxadd.htm
EXPLAIN
6. The teacher should be sure that students are using Matrices and dimensions correctly.
7. Groups will discuss strategies discovered and begin justifying their ideas; Groups can use graphing calculators to input matrices for further justification.
8. Allow students time to prepare attractive posters to share with class to begin discussions about adding and subtracting matrices, along with having the groups share their findings using the Smartview function of the calculator.