The Vegetable Plot

Aims & Learning Outcomes

The programme aims to:

• Introduce coordinate pairs as a way to describe position in two dimensions.
• Extend the discussion of coordinate pairs to introduce lines.
• Lead on to further work on functions, introducing expressions of the form y = mx + c.
• Provide entertaining lesson material, with opportunities for further exploration.
• Demonstrate a practical, problem-solving approach.

After watching the programme, students should:

• Be familiar with the use of Cartesian coordinates in four quadrants.
• Understand that sets of points can be plotted that produce straight lines on a graph.
• Be aware that the relationship between the coordinate values can be expressed algebraically, using x and y.
• Recognise that some lines will be horizontal, some will be vertical and some will slope, and each of these types is described by a type of equation.
• Begin to appreciate the concept of the gradient of a line on a graph.
• Understand how a table of values can be used to generate a graph of a simple function.