Lesson Plan
EngageNY

The Definition of a Parabola

For Students 10th - 12th Standards
Put together the pieces and model a parabola. Learners work through several examples to develop an understanding of a parabola graphically and algebraically. 
Handout
Mt. San Antonio Collage

Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Starting with the basics, learners discover the features of a parabola and the ways to accurately graph it. After pupils practice with graphing, the end of the worksheet focuses on application type problems. 
Lesson Plan
Willow Tree

Graphing

For Students 8th - 11th Standards
So many methods and so little time! The efficient method of graphing a linear equation depends on what information the problem gives. Pupils learn three different methods of graphing linear equations. They graph equations using...
Activity
Point Pleasant Beach School District

Parabola Project

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Class members select a picture that contains a parabola and construct a drawing of it using function graphs in the quadratic project. Individuals restrict the domains of the functions to create a more accurate drawing. They then submit a...
Lesson Plan
West Contra Costa Unified School District

Conics Introduction and Parabolas

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
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.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Graphs

For Students 9th - 11th
In this graphs learning exercise, students solve and complete 15 various types of problems. First, they determine the range of the function of the graph shown and write in interval notation. Then, students find the domain of the function...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Quadratic Data : Transformation Graphing

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
High schoolers analyze the vertex form of a parabola and find an approximate fit of a model. They explain the quadratic parabola function and its properties by developing quadratic models. They use translation and dilation to change the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Parabolas

For Teachers 11th - 12th
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.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Vertex Form of Parabolas

For Students 9th - 11th
Using the method of completing the square, algebra learners rewrite quadratic equations from standard form to vertex form. They will also graph quadratics, stating the vertex and axis of symmetry.  Solutions are provided.
Lesson Plan
West Contra Costa Unified School District

Exploring Quadratics and Graphs

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Young mathematicians first graph a series of quadratic equations, and then investigate how various parts of the equation change the graph of the function in a predictable way.
Interactive
PHET

Graphing Quadratics

For Students 8th - 12th Standards
Quadratics only have three terms, but each one is fairly important. Scholars use an interactive to explore how each coefficient affects the graph of a quadratic function. They also see how changes to the vertex form and how changes to...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Graphs of Parabolas

For Students 10th
In this graphs of parabolas worksheet, 10th graders solve 10 different problems that include the graphs of various parabolas. First, they graph the parabola given the equation to determine which way the parabola opens. Then, students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Review Graphing Parabolas & Circles

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students review how to graph parabolas. They practice graphing two different parabolas using the vertex and table method. They solve problems related to graphing circles, determining the radius and the center.
Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs: Soccer Ball Trajectory

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Determine critical points in the flight of a soccer ball. Pupils use an interactive resource to find the vertex and x-intercepts of the graph of the trajectory of a soccer ball after being kicked. Scholars investigate the trajectory...
Performance
Radford University

Throwing a Football

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Use mathematics to help the football team. Pairs brainstorm how to approach finding a solution to a problem to help the quarterback complete more passes. By researching and collecting data, the teams derive an equation to represent the...
Activity
1
1
Illustrative Mathematics

Graphs of Quadratic Functions

For Teachers 8th - 12th Standards
The equations look different, but their graphs are the same. How can that be? This activity leads your mathematicians in an exploration of three different forms of the same quadratic function. After comparing the equations, their graphs,...
Instructional Video16:49
2
2
Flipped Math

Quadratics in Standard Form

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Get ready to set the standard! Pupils watch a video on how to graph a parabola from a quadratic in standard form without converting the form. Scholars learn how to find the axis of symmetry from the equation and from there the vertex....
Lesson Plan
West Contra Costa Unified School District

Solving a System by Substitution

For Teachers 8th - 10th Standards
Solving systems by substitution can be a challenging topic in algebra I. Here is a lesson that builds on students' understanding of intercepts to begin the process of substitution, and all work is reinforced graphically to build...
Lesson Plan
EngageNY

Are All Parabolas Similar?

For Students 10th - 12th Standards
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.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Graphing Quadratic Functions in Vertex or Intercept Form

For Students 7th - 10th Standards
Here is a study guide that breaks graphing quadratic functions into three simple steps. Quadratic functions in vertex and intercept form are included. Use during a lesson or afterward for skills practice. Note: Make sure your class has...
Performance
Radford University

Saving the US from a Missile Crisis

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Mathematically shoot down an incoming missile. Given information about the Cuban Missile Crises, learners calculate the equation of the trajectory of an imaginary missile launched from Cuba toward Washington, D.C. Scholars determine the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Symmetry to Find the Vertex of a Parabola

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Learners engage in a lesson that is about finding the vertex of a parabola while using symmetry. They use the symmetry to find out where the two lines meet. The line is displayed with the help of a graphing calculator. The lesson...
Lesson Plan
EngageNY

Are All Parabolas Congruent?

For Students 10th - 12th Standards
Augment a unit on parabolas with an instructive math activity. Pupils graph parabolas by examining the relationship between the focus and directrix. 
Lesson Plan
Texas Instruments

Properties of Parabolas

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Explore the properties of parabolas in this lesson. 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.