Internet Enriched Lesson
Parabola Exploration
Lesson Overview
This is the exploration lesson leading into a unit on quadratic equations and their graphs. Students will explore how changing the various parts of a quadratic equation impacts the matching graph. As students gain confidence, they will explore writing quadratic equations to meet given criteria.
Content Area and Grade Level
Algebra / Grades 8-10
Objectives
Students will graph quadratic functions and demonstrate understanding of what each part of the ax+by+c=0 equation does to the curve.
Students will write quadratic equations to fulfill given criteria.
Students will write quadratic equations to fulfill given criteria.
Standards
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7
Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7.A
Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.
Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7.A
Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.
Relative Advantage
The relationship between quadratic equations and their graphs is very abstract. By integrating technology into this lesson, students can easily explore the effects that changing the coefficients and constants have on the graphs. Adding this visual component, as well as the immediate effects when the equation is altered increase understanding exponentially.
Timeline
3 - 4 forty-minute class periods
Materials/Resources
Polygraph: Parabolas
Desmos Parabola Investigation
Marbleslides: Parabolas
Sam the Firefighter Activity 1
Sam the Firefighter Activity 2
Sam the Firefighter Activity 3
Angry Birds 1
Angry Birds 2
Kahoot - Basic Understanding of Parabolas
Desmos Parabola Investigation
Marbleslides: Parabolas
Sam the Firefighter Activity 1
Sam the Firefighter Activity 2
Sam the Firefighter Activity 3
Angry Birds 1
Angry Birds 2
Kahoot - Basic Understanding of Parabolas
Learning Activities
Learning Activity 1 - Learning the Language of Parabolas
Learning Activity 2 - Parabola Exploration
Learning Activity 3 - Application Activities
Learning Activity 2 - Parabola Exploration
Learning Activity 3 - Application Activities
Adaptations for Students with Special Needs
These activities lend themselves well to differentiation. The explorations are non-threatening and teachers can easily facilitate discussions to assist with understanding. All activities can be performed individually, in pairs or groups. Students can complete Firefighter and Angry Birds activities according to ability levels, with some students able to complete all the scenes and others only some of them.
Assessment
After completing the learning activities, students will participate in a short Kahoot as a ticket-out-the-door formative assessment.
References
Noble, J., Bowles, O., & Wade, R. (2013, January 27). Quadratic graphs. Retrieved from http://www.teachmathematics.net/page/15072/quadratic-graphs