Explore the properties of parabolas in this lesson plan. Construct a parabola given a focus and a directrix on the Ti-Nspire. Write equations of parabolas in vertex form and determine the a value of a parabola given a focus and directrix.

Students explore parabolas.  In this algebra and technology lesson, students construct the equation of a specific parabola, then take digital photos of real-life representations of these parabolas.  Students create a podcast...

Pupils use their knowledge of the vertex form of a quadratic equation to graph parabolas using a graphing calculator, given a specific move to make. this instructional activity may be used as a review or as extra practice, in groups or...

Where did conic sections get their name? The equation and graph of a parabola are developed from the definition of the conic section. Teacher examples on graphing the equation and writing an equation from the graph round out the plan.

Transformations of parabolas to fit a particular quadratic equation is taught through this lesson.  In this transforming parabolas to fit a particular quadratic equation lesson, high schoolers describe the transformations of the...

Learn to identify the properties of parabolas. Students define parabola as the locus of all points equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed line. Also, interpret the equation for a parabola in vertex form and gain a visual...

Learners practice generating parabolas with a motion sensor while determining the vertex form of the equation. They compare it to the regression equation from the calculator onto a data mate software. Each student completes several...

Congruence and similarity apply to functions as well as polygons. Learners examine the effects of transformations on the shape of parabolas. They determine the transformation(s) that produce similar and congruent functions.

Students explore the maximum and minimum values of parabola. In this exponential equations instructional activity, students use graphing calculators or TI Interactive Software to calculate values of parabola and graph x-intercepts of...

Augment a unit on parabolas with an instructive math activity. Pupils graph parabolas by examining the relationship between the focus and directrix. 

Functions have families, too. Learners first graph the parent functions for linear, quadratic, and cubic functions, and then use vertical translations to graph families of functions.

This comprehensive lesson plan reviews solving and graphing quadratic functions and functions of higher degree.  Using the vertex form of a quadratic functions, one finds the vertex, minimum or maximum, and axis of symmetry. A few...

Have your learners investigate parabolas. In this Algebra II lesson, students explore the basic definition of a parabola by using Cabri Jr. to create a parabola given the focus and directrix.  Students interpret the equation for a...

Practice relating linear equations to quadratic equations and identify the properties of a quadratic equation. Draw a quadratic equation and assess how the coefficients a, b, and c affect the shape of a parabola. Create a model of each...

Students define a parabola through hands on creation. In this algebra lesson, students analyze the directrix and focus of a parabola. They create a paper parabola and identify the vertex with points equal distance apart from the vertex.

A baseball trajectory and a parabola seem to make the best pair in real-world quadratic applications. Here is a current baseball resource with questions, discussions, and explorations regarding a quadratic function and home run...

Put together the pieces and model a parabola. Learners work through several examples to develop an understanding of a parabola graphically and algebraically. 

Looking for a complete go-to guide for the standard form of conics? This five-page packet does a nice job of connecting conics to prior knowledge of functions and transformations. Adapt the resource as Algebra II lesson plan...

What do you get when you cross a circle and a line? One, two, or maybe no solutions! Teach learners to find solutions of quadratic and linear systems. Connect the visual representation of the graph to the abstract algebraic methods. 

Explore nonlinear systems through graphs and algebra. High schoolers begin by examining the different types of quadratic functions and their possible intersections. They then use algebraic methods to solve systems containing various...

Put all that algebra learning to use! Using algebraic strategies, learners solve three-variable systems. They then use the three-variable systems to write a quadratic equation given three points on the parabola.

Sometimes being different is an advantage. An engaging activity has scholars match cards with quadratic functions in various forms. Along the way, they learn about how each form highlights key features of quadratic functions.

Students find equations of parabolas in real world scenarios.  In this finding equations of parabolas in real world scenarios lesson, students find the equations of parabolas of US landmarks.  Students put a grid on landmarks...

Students factor polynomial equations. In this algebra lesson, students apply the zero product property to factor quadratic equations. They solve real life scenarios by apply the concepts of parabolas.