The Unknown Files

Variable Detective Agency: Case Log #101

Agent Name:

Date:

Warm-Up: The Vague Case

"The school soccer team bought some jerseys and some shorts for a total of $400. How many jerseys did they get?"

What crucial pieces of information are missing that prevent us from solving this? (List at least 3):

Video Briefing: Systems Intro

Watch the video (0:00 - 1:35). Focus on the "Data Plan" example.

According to Justin, what is the very first step in the 4-step plan?

In the Data Plan example, what are the two things "we don't know yet"?

1.

2.

Activity: Variable Hunters

YOUR MISSION: Identify the two unknowns in each scenario. You are NOT allowed to write equations or solve. You must define your variables with 100% precision (e.g., "Let x = price of one ticket in dollars" instead of just "Let x = tickets").

Case #1: The Cinema Caper Topic: Value & Quantity

"The local theater sold 150 tickets for the Friday night premiere. Adult tickets cost $12.50 each and student tickets cost $8.00 each. The theater made a total of $1,620."

Variable x Definition:

Variable y Definition:

Case #2: The Perimeter Plot Topic: Geometric Relations

"A rectangular community garden is being fenced in. The length of the garden is 4 meters less than three times the width. The total amount of fencing used is 56 meters."

Variable 1 Definition:

Variable 2 Definition:

Case #3: The Coffee Conundrum Topic: Mixtures

"A coffee shop owner wants to create a 20-pound 'Morning Mystery' blend. She mixes Dark Roast ($14/lb) with Light Roast ($9/lb). The final blend should cost $11 per pound."

Variable 1 Definition:

Variable 2 Definition:

Case #4: The Animal Audit Topic: The Classic 'Heads & Legs'

"A farmer looks out at his field of ostriches and llamas. He counts exactly 42 heads and 116 legs."

Variable 1 Definition:

Variable 2 Definition:

Case #5: The Current Crisis Topic: Rate, Time, Distance

"A motorboat travels 48 miles upstream in 4 hours. The return trip downstream, with the same current, takes only 3 hours."

Variable 1 Definition:

Variable 2 Definition:

Peer Review: Accuracy Check

Trade papers with a partner. Use the checklist below to evaluate their work for ONE of the cases above.

Reviewer Checklist

Does the definition include units? (e.g., dollars, miles, pounds, quantity)

Is it clear if the variable represents a value ($) or a count (#)?

Does the definition accurately reflect the "Question" being asked?

Feedback for Case # ________:

The Pitfall Trap

Why is "Let x = apples" a dangerous definition? Write one sentence explaining why a detective needs more precision.

The Unknown Files

Variable Hunters Worksheet

Detective Scoring Rubric

Unknown Files Slides

Variable Hunters Teacher Guide

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