How can we connect contexts, tables, graphs, equations, and descriptions to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of mathematical relationships? What is a function and why do we learn about them? What is important for middle school students to understand as they prepare for high school mathematics? What are the advantages and challenges to moving students beyond linear representations? Come join us as we explore activities and tasks using concrete patterns, multiple representations, interactive tools, and ways to assist students as they develop their understanding of rates and functional relationships.