Exploratorium
Parabolas
A parabolic mirror toy demonstrates how concave mirrors objects reflect light and produce a realistic image at their focal point. This resource probably doesn't explain any more than the printed insert that accompanies such an apparatus...
Exploratorium
Hot Spot
Not only does a concave mirror focus light waves, it can also concentrate infrared radiation into a hot spot. If you have a small electric heater and such a mirror, demonstrate this for your physical science class.
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Building a Parabolic-Trough Collector
Amateurs of alternative energy build a mini parabolic-trough solar energy collector and use it to heat water. Temperature is recorded over a three-minute period and the data is graphed and analyzed. Note that in order to paint aquarium...
Curated OER
Mirror Curvature
Students investigate parabolas as the shape of a telescopic mirror. In this Algebra I/Algebra II lesson, students explore the relationship between the coefficients of a quadratic function and the shape and position of the parabolic...
EngageNY
The Definition of a Parabola
Put together the pieces and model a parabola. Learners work through several examples to develop an understanding of a parabola graphically and algebraically.
Yummy Math
The Olympic Flame's Trip
Just in time for the start of the Winter 2018 Olympics, you can track the Olympic torch relay through the Republic of Korea. But there must be some math involved, right? Give learners a worksheet that prompts them to calculate the...
Curated OER
Kitchen Paraboloids
Students solve quadratic equations and identify functions. In this algebra instructional activity, students graph parabolas and identify properties describing the shape of the parabola. They find the vertex and rewrite the equation in...
Curated OER
Blast's Cosmic Carnival
Students, after analyzing the history of a concentrator, model how a Genesis spacecraft concentrator works by playing a game. In groups of three or four, after being given materials to work with, are challenged to roll the rubber balls...
Curated OER
Parabola (Lab Version)
Students develop definition for parabola, explain relationship between properties of the graph of a parabola and its equation, explain how the equation of a parabola can be written in different forms, and solve problems that relate the...
Curated OER
Parabola
Young scholars develop a definition of parabola and explain the relationship between the properties of the graph of a parabola and its equation. They explain how the equation of a parabola can be written in different forms and solve...
Curated OER
Parabola
Students complete a worksheet and explore the parabola conic section during a web based activitiy. They answer questions based on their work as they make changes in the features of the parabola.