Q5 Case Cracking Formulas: Clue Calculations
The Math Matters!
Think back to the three missing items you spotted in the classroom earlier. Can you picture them without sneaking a peek at the Intro page?
Suddenly, zoom! Kofi races past you, bursting with excitement. His Iron Man minifig has been RETURNED! But that’s not all… he shouts that a note was left behind. Your detective instincts kick into high gear. Something about this feels important. This small win gives you a jolt of confidence and a clue. To crack what the note really means, you’ll need a new skill: formulas.
Play the video below to power up your math skills and get one step closer to solving the case. Play it one time through to be able to answer the questions below and record your answers on slide 9, Q5 Case Cracking Formulas: Clue Calculations in your 13. Data Detective Notebook.
- What is a formula?
- What does a formula start with in spreadsheets?
- What is a cell reference?
- What does sigma Σ represent?
Direct link (3:53 min.)
Formula Functionality Found!
After playing the video, you recall the spreadsheets you found earlier. Ah-ha, there was a minifig spreadsheet!
Step 1. From the 13. DD Spreadsheet Folder, select the Lego Minifig Spreadsheet (or use this direct link).
- If you are a Google User, make a copy and save it in your Thing 13 Data Detectives folder.
- If you are a Microsoft User, download a copy and then upload it into your Thing 13 Data Detectives folder.
Step 2. Follow the instructions in cell A15 and cell A17.
- Create a formula that shows the difference (use minus) in the number of pieces between the two Iron Man sets. Type the formula into B15.
- Create a formula that shows how many pieces are total (use +) in Black Panther and Black Widow's sets. Type the formula into B17.
- You may opt to replay the video from the start to the timestamp of 2:25 min.
Step 3. Go to your 13. Data Detective Notebook that you have saved in your Thing 13 Data Detectives folder. On slide 10, Q5 Case Cracking Formulas: Clue Calculations:
- Record the actual formulas that you used and the answers that were produced.
Competencies & Standards
MITECS Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students, and
5. Computational Thinker
b. collect data or identify relevant data sets
6. Creative Communicator
c. communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations
d. publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for a variety of audiences