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-addends

-sum

-more

-add to

-group

Q-What happens to the two groups as put them in the machine?A: The groups get bigger.

Q-How do you know?A: I started with a small group and it got bigger when I added more.

Q-Would changing the order of the addends in the machine change the sum?A: No, the sum is the same.

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The function machine can be used in whole-group and small-group instruction. I can use the function machine to model what addends are and how they are related to the sum of the problem.

I currently set up the function machine in a small-group setting. My E.L.L. students have been working on their math fact fluency. I added the function machine to their practice. Immediately they started using the words "addends" and "sum" while they were rolling the dice and writing their math sentences.

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I made the function machine from old party hats, paper roll tubes, an empty tissue box and tape.

I wanted to build a function machine that I could use immediately. I have a large E.L.L. population in my class. 6 out of my 21 students are E.L.L. They seem to be having a hard time in connecting the vocabulary with it's mathematical concept. Our curriculum uses the words "addends" and "sum" quite often when discussing addition. I wanted the function machine to help bridge the need for vocabulary as well as concept attainment.

The purpose of the function machine was to show students what happens to the addends when they are added together. They make one large group. The rule is 2 small groups in, 1 large group out. Though not exactly like a function machine in which a rule can be changed over time I still wanted a machine that my students could physically use.

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My students were eager to use the Math Machine as an addition to one of their center activities.

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The function machine forced my students to check their work. Something they don't normally do!

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Party hats.

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I first used a plastic container for the output. However, the chips were loud when the hit the plastic so I decided to use a tissue box to soften sound.