Investigation and discussion of the way "Pin and string construction," works in producing an ellipse. Works through the corresponding equations in a well-ordered way.

View a simple graph of an ellipse and a photo showing how the ellipse intersects a cone.

View a simple graph of an ellipse and a photo showing how the ellipse intersects a cone.

This Learn Check file is a review of writing conic sections given the graph of a conic section. Students are asked to use the graphs to write the equations for a ellipse, circle, parabola, and hyperbola.

This site provides descriptions and helpful hints regarding conic sections - circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas. Content also includes interactive problem solvers complete with a full analysis of the math behind the answer.

Students can investigate the graphs of conic sections in standard form. Cirlce, ellipse, and hyperbola graphs are included.

This site from The Math Forum provides great information on polar coordinates. You can access this information either by clicking on the coordinates link or just scrolling down, it is the first one listed on the page. Includes several...

An overview of the four types of conic sections is presented. The origin of how each conic is formed and a table of various characteritics specific to each type of conic is shown.

Drawing a perfect ellipse with pins and string is demonstrated with a java simulation.

An explanation for the focus in conic sections along with diagrams. Site provides graphs, references, and a brief bibliography and citation.

Dozens of statistical terms are defined and illustrated in this glossary.

The orbits of satellites are described and an energy analysis is performed. Kinetic, potential and total mechanical energy are explained and applied to the motion of satellites.