FASTER than a LOCOMOTIVE! COMICS - FUNctions - Linear Systems - D=RT

MY MIDDLE SCHOOLERS LOVED THIS AND YOURS WILL TOO!
I was watching the ORIGINAL (1978) version of Superman one Saturday morning, and an idea flashed in my mind. I wanted to share the 1978 (BEST) version with my students then it occurred to me I could use it to review the Distance = Rate * Time formula. This would get me out of HOT Water with my admin for showing the "non-educational" video!
As I started to put my plan unto paper, I realized the lesson would cover much more than the distance formula. I was able to touch on and elaborate on the following topics:
++ Distance Rate Time
++ Functions
++ Linear Graphs, Equations, Tables
++ Systems of Equations - Break-even Points
++ Writing Equations from real world applications
++ Slope & Slope Intercept Form
++ Setting up graphs and tables
++ Justifying, Explaining, Reflecting
++ Making Predictions based on functions and graphs
++ Solving Equations

This has morphed into so much more than me wanting to show the students MY SUPERMAN! The kids requested a mathematical comparison between the OLD and NEW supermen - HOMEWORK!

I used this in both my inclusion and gifted classes. The basics are the same, only the conversation differed. ALL WERE ENGAGED! The special needs co-teacher said it was perfect for his kids because it was engaging throughout and offered multiple points of success. I don't know about that, but I loved seeing the students' faces light up when the theme music starting playing!!

The PowerPoint has theme music & links to two videos: the locomotive scene from 1978 version and a cartoon about Superman and Flash racing around the world. The slides are filled with information and opportunities for students to discuss and participate. I also created guided notes for the students to use during the lesson (key provided).

CCSS
8. EE.C.7 Solve linear equations in one variable.
8. EE.C.8 Analyze and solve pairs of simultaneous linear equations.
Content.8.EE.C.8a Understand that solutions to a system of two linear equations in two variables correspond to points of intersection of their graphs, because points of intersection satisfy both equations simultaneously.
8. EE.C.8b Solve systems of two linear equations in two variables algebraically, and estimate solutions by graphing the equations.
8. EE.C.8c Solve real-world and mathematical problems leading to two linear equations in two variables.
8. F.A.1 Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output. The graph of a function is the set of ordered pairs consisting of an input and the corresponding output.
8. F.A.2 Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions).
8. F.A.3 Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line
8. F.B.4 Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a description of a relationship or from two (x, y) values, including reading these from a table or from a graph. Interpret the rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and in terms of its graph or a table of values.

THANKS!