Source: Cyberchase: “Trick or Treat”
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Frog Hops, Part 1
(Video)
National K -12 Subject:
Lesson Plans Using this Resource:
In this video segment from Cyberchase, the CyberSquad observes the movement of Hacker’s robotic frog. The frog has been programmed to make a certain number of hops depending on the button that is pushed.The CyberSquad figured out the original input/output pattern but now the frog is larger, and there is a new pattern they must figure out in order to control the frog.
Download and ShareHere are some Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions for using this video in a math lesson.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame: Sometimes when we see a series of inputs and outputs, we can find a pattern that makes us aware of a consistent rule. How do you go about deciding what the pattern and rule are? Do you ever use operations like addition and subtraction? Is it possible to use both in the same rule?
Focus: In this segment, the CyberSquad tries to figure out the frog’s new input/output pattern by experimenting with the buttons. Record the input/output data the CyberSquad discovers and see if you can figure out the new pattern.
Follow Up: How would you describe the new input/output rule for Hacker’s frog? Can you write it as an equation? Can you create a new input/output rule that would make the frog go farther than when following the present rule?
MATT: This is all Hacker's fault! Once a lump of garbage, always a lump of garbage!
DIGIT: Say that again!
MATT: Once a lump of.--
DIGIT: Garbage! That's it! That's how we get rid of the frog!
JACKIE: What are you talking about?
DIGIT: We get it into the garbage chute – around that corner with the trash!
JACKIE: Great idea! We know how to control how it moves!
MATT: All we have to do is get close enough to push the input buttons.
INEZ: Oh, no...don't look at me.
INEZ: WHOAAA!!! Ugh!
INEZ: Can we talk about this?
MATT: Push a button and take control.
INEZ: Whoa!
JACKIE: It worked!
INEZ: Around that corner, Didge?
DIGIT: Roger! Then around another corner, down a few hops...and we're there!
INEZ: Four hops ought to get me to the corner. I input '2', right?
JACKIE: Yep, '2' in, four hops out!
INEZ: Whoa!!
JACKIE: One. Two. Three.
DIGIT: You came up short.
JACKIE: That's because it hopped three times – not four.
INEZ: Why? What happened?
MATT: I don't know. Maybe the rule changed when it grew. We need to learn the new rule, and fast!
JACKIE: Inez, see what happens when you input a one. It should hop twice.
INEZ: Whoaa!
INEZ: Nope, only once.
INEZ: But the turn buttons are still working the same. Let me input a '3'.
INEZ: Whoa!
MATT: Ride 'em, cowgirl!
INEZ: That time it made five hops. It made six before. The rule has definitely changed!
DIGIT: Not only that, you passed the turn to the trash bin three hops back.
JACKIE: Okay, we'll figure it out.
JACKIE: We know that putting a '1' gives one hop.
DIGIT: And a '2' makes it hop three times.
JACKIE: Button 3 is five hops...
MATT: It looks like the output is now one less than twice the input.
JACKIE: And if this pattern continues, '4' should give us seven hops...
MATT: And '5' in should give us nine hops.
JACKIE: The rule did change!
JACKIE: Now the hops out are twice the numbers in…minus one!
MATT: It's a new ballgame, with a new rule! We're back in control!
DIGIT: Let's dash for the trash!
JACKIE: Not so fast! We have to make sure we're right. Inez, input a '4'. Jackie inputs the numbers in her Skwak.
MATT: If we're right, that should get you seven hops.
INEZ: Okay, but you guys owe me.
INEZ: Whoaaaa!!! Whooaaa! Whoaaa!!! Whoooaaa!!!
JACKIE: The new rule works! It made seven hops!
INEZ: Phew!
MATT: Good to go, Nezzie!
INEZ: Don't call me Nezzie!
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