Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Kitchen Paraboloids

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students solve quadratic equations and identify functions. In this algebra lesson, students graph parabolas and identify properties describing the shape of the parabola. They find the vertex and rewrite the equation in standard form.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planet Paths: Studying Planetary Orbital Paths

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students define and identify planetary orbit, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola, and simulate Kepler's Second Law. They explore interactive websites demonstrating orbital motion and complete modeling activities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pyrotechnics

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars discuss pyrotechnics and what they have noticed about their height and speed. They think about the path which fireworks follow which is a parabola. They follow multiplication patterns to determine the Zero Product Property...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Modeling With Quadratics

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students investigate quadratics through word problems. In this algebra lesson plan, students models the number of registered males in apprenticeship programs. They investigate the transformation of quadratic function on a coordinate plane.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Model Data with Quadratic Functions

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students model data using quadratic equations. In this algebra lesson, students simplify and factor quadratic equations. They graph the function using collected data and analyze the parabola.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Translating Parabolas

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services. They select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem solving, and decision making in content learning.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mathematical Relationships

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Young scholars practice graphing a linear equation and a parabolic equation. They work cooperatively to select numbers, including fractions, which they will put into ordered pairs. Students explain their process to the class, discussing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Linear and Quadratic Approximations

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore a linear, a parabolic, and a log function.  In this Algebra II/Pre-calculus lesson students investigate the graph a line, a parabola, and a log function.  Students examine the three graphs as they compare and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Quadratic Formula

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students solve quadratic function by completing the square. In this algebra lesson, students use the quadratic formula to factor quadratics and find the roots. They graph the parabola and identify its properties.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reading Graphs

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students plot functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They explore lines and parabolas. Students analyze graphs and answer questions about the information presented on the graph using an online program.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Graphs And Ellipses

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students become acquainted with linear graphs, the parabola and the rectangular hyperbola. Also prepare tables of paired values as preparation for plotting a line. They study the cartesian equation of an ellipse, with a worked example.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Look at It from the Right Angle

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students investigate how geometry can be used in the field of fitness and physical performance. They view a video that demonstrates how doctors and therapists mention geometry as they treat sports-related injuries.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Ball Bounce" Quadratic Functions

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Young scholars manipulate a ball and explore quadratic functions. In this algebra lesson, young scholars analyze the graph of a quadratic function. They identify quadratic properties.
Activity
Curated OER

Introduction to Conics

For Teachers 9th - 11th Standards
Just exactly where does the name conic come from? This brief hands-on exploration explains it all. Have your class cut cones to create their own conics, then assess their understanding with a few identification problems. Consider making...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Quadratic Equations and Binomial Square Theorem

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students factor quadratic equations. In this algebra lesson, students apply the binomial square theorem to solve quadratics. They complete the square and use the complex number system to solve for the roots.
Activity
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Parabolic Secants

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This activity introduces students to an interesting property of parabolas and a method of proving that property using the TI-89 scripts. They then use the CAS of their TI-89 to generalize upon specific results.
Activity
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Zeros of a Parabola

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students are introduced to an interesting property of parabolas and a method of proving that property using the TI-89 scripts. They then use the CAS of their TI-89 to generalize upon specific results.
Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Point of a Parabola: Focusing Signals for a Better Wireless Net

For Students 3rd - 8th
Here's a project with practical applications for homes with a wireless network. This project shows you how to build and test parabolic reflectors for the transmitters on your network. You may be able to increase the range of your...
Handout
Johan Claeys

Math Abundance: The Parabola

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Defines parabolas, their properties, gives parametric equations, tangent line in a point D of a parabola, etc.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Conics and Reflection

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Students investigate the reflective properties of the parabola, the ellipse, and the hyperbola. They will look at applications that relate to both the collection of incoming signals and signals that are emitted from a source and...
Activity
Other

Dans Math: Lessons: Intermediate Algebra

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
College professor Dan Bach presents a review of algebra concepts, including factoring, quadratic equations, and graphing parabolas. The examples are detailed, but easy to follow. This is a good site for reviewing before tests and quizzes.
Lesson Plan
Shodor Education Foundation

Shodor Interactivate: Lesson: Graphs and Functions

For Teachers 7th - 9th Standards
This lesson plan is directed at introducing students to how to graph functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They will experience several categories of functions including lines and parabolas. Resources and interactive tools are...
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Parabolic Mirror: Working, Principle and Applications

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains how a parabolic mirror works and how to calculate its geometric properties. Discusses the two forms - parabolic troughs and parabolic dishes - and how these are used in solar panels and satellite dishes. Other real-life...
Handout
Other

Platonic Realms: Conics

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This resource provides in depth information on the conic sections. Click on the underlined words for definitions and diagrams.