Mr. Johnson’s class made some punch for a class party using bottle of Sprite and bottles (all the same size) of fruit juice. On the day of the party, Mr. Johnson decided to invite Ms. Perry’s class to join, and so more punch is needed. Someone suggests adding more bottles of Sprite, and more bottles of fruit juice to the mix. The class wonders: will adding bottles of Sprite and bottles of juice make the punch taste any different? Opinions are divided!

(a)
Explain why some of the children in the class think that the taste will be the same. Draw pictures as needed to support your argument.
(b)
Explain why some of the children in the class think that the taste will be different. Draw pictures as needed to support your argument.
Split your group into two factions: the “same taste” faction and the “different taste” faction. Keep your personal opinions to yourself: you do not need to agree with the point of view of your faction! Prepare arguments and stage a debate. Be prepared to report to the class:
  • the most convincing argument from each faction.
  • the debate’s “winner” (and how you decided that they “won” – based on the mathematics involved, not your opinion!)
As we have worked through these issues, has your thinking changed in any way? What is one thing you learned today, and one question you have after today’s class?
2025-08-13 00:50:47