Have your learners investigate parabolas. In this Algebra II lesson, students explore the basic definition of a parabola by using Cabri Jr. to create a parabola given the focus and directrix.  Students interpret the equation for a...

Augment a unit on parabolas with an instructive math activity. Pupils graph parabolas by examining the relationship between the focus and directrix. 

Need to build a laser fence on Mars?  In this cute maximizing-area activity, young explorers pretend to be prospectors on Mars and must determine the best way to use 20 meters of fencing in order to maximize their area. In addition,...

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.

Scholars investigate transforming parabolas.  In this transforming parabolas lesson, they take the parent graph y=x^2 and transform it by shifting left, right, up, and down and shrinking and stretching. The class finds maximums,...

This is a teacher page for a instructional activity and does not include any materials to support the instructional activity. Students graph quadratic equations with a coefficient of one and create a table of values to graph a quadratic...

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.

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...

In this algebra worksheet, students identify the properties of a parabola. They factor and graph quadratic equations. There are 18 questions.

In this graphing worksheet, students identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, and direction of the opening of a parabola.  They graph given equations.  This four-page worksheet contains 18 problems.  Answers are provided on...

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,...

Instead of the typical quadratic questioning, explore the function and look at the three different ways a parabola can be written. The main task is when given several clues, young mathematicians must write an equation that matches the...

Get to know quadratics from a couple of different perspectives. Classmates work in small groups to determine the optimal cooking time for microwave popcorn. Group members pop bags of popcorn for different times and collect data on the...

This comprehensive lesson plan reviews solving and graphing quadratic functions and functions of higher degree.  Using the vertex form of a quadratic functions, one finds the vertex, minimum or maximum, and axis of symmetry. A few...

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...

Sometimes being different is an advantage. An engaging activity has scholars match cards with quadratic functions in various forms. Along the way, they learn about how each form highlights key features of quadratic functions.

Pupils use their knowledge of the vertex form of a quadratic equation to graph parabolas using a graphing calculator, given a specific move to make. this lesson may be used as a review or as extra practice, in groups or individually.

Using their Ti-Nspire to determine the solutions of parabolas, students explore the concept of complex roots.  Students determine if parabolas have real or complex roots.  Students determine the the axis of symmetry and the...

A bouncing ball serves as more than entertainment when learning to apply quadratic functions to real-world events. This is the second of a two-part lesson plan, which can also be accessed from the website. The instructions say to measure...

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....

Curve through the points. The resource, created as a review for the General Certificate of Secondary Education Math test, gives scholars the opportunity to refresh their quadratic graphing skills. Pupils fill out function tables to...

Quadratics need no introduction, but here is one anyway. Learners watch a video that introduces them to quadratics. The pupils learn what a quadratic is, its key features, and how to sketch a graph of the parabola it defines. Then, they...

In this properties of parabolas learning exercise, students identify the vertex and the minimum and maximum value of each parabola. They graph parabolas on a coordinate plane. This four-page learning exercise contains 14 problems....

In this parabola learning exercise, students define a parabola and all of its parts. They then solve 4 problems in which they change an equation into vertex form, identify the significant features, and graph it. Finally, students solve 3...