In this extrema activity, students use graphing calculators and the optimization method to identify the maximum and minimums of a given function. They compute the first and second derivative, and graph the functions. This eight-page...

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...

Exploring families of functions allows students compare and contrast properties of functions.  Students discuss properties that include symmetry, max and min points, asymptotes, derivatives, etc.

In this implicit differentiation worksheet, students use the microscope approximation method and Euler's method to approximate values at a given point. This two-page worksheet contains five problems.

In this calculus worksheet, students determine the intervals in which a given relation is concave up. They determine the inflection points of a given formula. Students use the second derivative test to classify the relative extrema of a...

Students calculate the maxima and minima of quadratic equations. In this calculus lesson, students apply the derivatives by finding the maxima and minima using real life application. They solve optimization using the derivative. 

Young mathematicians will identify the minimum, maximum-and zeros of a function in this calculus activity. They relate the derivative of a function to its zeros and minimum or maximum. They then graph their solutions and explain...

Pupils practice sample questions from the AP Calculus Exam. They solve calculus problems involving bounded regions, integration, derivatives, and limits. They then answer free response and multiple choice questions on the above mentioned...

High schoolers, with the assistance of their TI-84 Plus / TI-83 Plus calculators, explore and assess the connections between an accumulation function, one defined by a definite integral, and the integrand. They summarize that the...

Students explore various approaches to solving a problem of maximizing the total production of apples in an orchard. In this apple orchard instructional activity, students collect data in order to solve the apple orchard problem...

Learners explore estimated and exact results for derivatives, tangent lines, implicit differentiation, and symbolic differentiation. The lesson plan provides examples with solutions and practice problems. 

Students solve problems with exponential growth and decay. In this calculus instructional activity, students relate exponential functions to infestation and extermination. They take the derivative to find their answer.

Learners investigate the slopes and parametric equations. In this calculus lesson, students solve parametric equations with specific parameters. They relate lines and slopes based on the derivative of the equation.

Students explore the concept of the corner problem. In this corner problem lesson, students use the TI-NSpire to determine the maximum length a rod can be and still pass horizontally around a corner. Students use similar triangles to...

Students solve several differential equations. In this calculus lesson, students test their modulus calculation by testing different weights or beam lengths. They share their findings in class.

For this function of two variables worksheet, students explore the relationship between the derivatives of a function and the shape of the graph. They determine the maximum and minimum value using optimization. Students find the...

Maximizing resources is essential to productivity. Class members complete an activity to show how math can help in the process. Using a piece of construction paper, learners construct a box with the maximum volume. Ultimately, they...

Drawing circles isn't the only thing compasses are good for. In this first installment of a 36-part series, high schoolers learn how to draw equilateral triangles by investigating real-world situations, such as finding the location of a...

Help learners determine the rate of change for the temperature of sand. They will collect data on the temperature of wet and dry sand over time with a heat lamp overhead. Then make a scatter plot of the data and find a linear model to...

Young mathematicians explore the maximun area for patio with the added complexity of finding the mimimum cost for construction. First, they maximize the area of a yard given a limited amount of fence and  plot width v. area on a...

What a great classroom resource! The intention of this lesson is to show that real-world math can and should be applied to the community in which your learners reside. The class relates properties of equations to solving for species...

Students read about and discuss renewable and non renewable energy and identify how a dam produced energy using hydro-power. In this water energy lesson plan, students look at diagrams and pictures of water energy technology.

Learners explore the graph of a function. In this calculus lesson, students identify when and where the graph is increasing or decreasing. They identify if it concave up or down by moving the cursor.

Students calculate the slopes of secant lines. In this calculus lesson, students graph tangent and secant lines using the coordinate plane. They use the Ti calculator to graph and observe the lines.