Algebra – Linear Graphing
Designed for use with the Finch from the 1000 robots program
Vanguard College Preparatory Academy 2013-2014
Teachers: This program allows you to store a list of linear equations. Students are to
determine the slope and the y-intercept of a given equation and lead the Finch to the
correct answer using light.
Finch set up:
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Plug the Finch into the computer.
Start the BirdBrain application.
Open the Linear Graphing program in the vcpateach account.
If you wish to add to or edit the list of equations, press a. You will be prompted
for a code. Type the word teach and press Enter. A list of equations will appear.
You can add or edit entries directly in the list. Delete an entry by pressing the ‘-‘
button to the right of the entry. You can also add more equations by typing them
one at a time into the dialogue box and pressing Enter. When you are done, type
stop into the dialogue box and press Enter.
Set student laptops up with their Finches and the shared Linear Graphing
program by navigating to the URL:
http://snap.berkeley.edu/snapsource/snap.html#present:Username=vcpastudent&Projec
tName=Linear%20Graphing.
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Do not log them into the vcpateach account so there is no danger of them
changing the original program. Press the maximize button
to hide the code
blocks.
Have possible answers on the floor around the room. Students will determine
the slope and y-intercept of the given equation and confirm their answer with the
program. They will lead their Finch robot to the correct answer on the floor using
flashlights (or other light sources).
Have them graph their lines, and/or make it a race against another group. How
you run this is up to you!
Free for use for educational purposes – change your copies of the document and program in any way
you see fit. Enjoy!
Algebra – Linear Graphing
Designed for use with the Finch from the 1000 robots program
Vanguard College Preparatory Academy 2013-2014
Welcome to linear graphing with the Finch!
Your teacher should have already set up your Finch and the linear graphing program on
your laptop. If they have not, do this now.
Finch set up:

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Plug the Finch into the computer.
Start the BirdBrain application.
Open the Linear Graphing program on your laptop with your Finch by navigating
to the URL:
http://snap.berkeley.edu/snapsource/snap.html#present:Username=vcpastudent&Projec
tName=Linear%20Graphing
To start the program, press the green flag.
*The program will give you an equation. Put the equation into the y-intercept form and
find the slope and the y-intercept. Graph your linear equation. Look for the matching
graph on the floor. To move the Finch by keyboard, press ‘k’. To move the Finch by
light source, press ‘l’. Steer your Finch to the correct answer.
Confirm that you found the correct answer by pressing the “I’m Ready” button on the
linear graphing program on your computer. The computer will tell you the equation
based on the slope and y-intercept you gave it and graph the equation. Does the
equation match the one you were given? Does the graph match the one your Finch
found on the floor?
If you are ready for the next equation, click the “I’m Ready” button. Repeat from * until
the program says you are all done!
Be sure to follow your teacher’s instructions for how to play.
Have fun!
Free for use for educational purposes – change your copies of the document and program in any way
you see fit. Enjoy!