Title: Cannon Fodder for Parabolas
Grade Level:
9-12
Subject: Algebra
2
Learner Outcomes:
The student will
-
graph quadratic functions, solve problems using quadratic equations,
and solve quadratic inequalities;
-
use a graphing calculator to graph quadratic functions, and to solve
quadratic functions, and to solve quadratic equations & inequalities;
-
use a graphing calculator to find the maximum and minimum values of
a function over a region.
Duration of
Lesson: one 90-minute block
Materials:
graphing calculator, Algebra 2 student textbook, notebook paper, writing
utensil, overhead graphing calculator.
Technology Tools/Courseware:
graphing calculator, overhead graphing calculator, overhead projector
Teacher Notes:
Students should already be familiar with how to graph and trace equations
with a graphing calculator. Students should already be familiar with quadratic
equations and how to complete the square.
Procedures:
1. Open and play PowerPoint presentation Civil
War.
2. Ask students if they can think of other examples of parabolas.
3. Use the overhead graphing calculator to help students practice
graphing examples from the PowerPoint presentation Civil
War.
-
Find the maximum height of the tennis ball
-
Find the maximum height of Zacchini
-
Find the maximum height of the Golden Gate Bridge (students need to
be careful when answering this question because theoretically, there is
no maximum height.)
4. Discuss handout Parabola Form
(in MS Word format) or Parabola Form (in
PDF format). Discussion should include vocabulary: parabola, axis of symmetry,
vertex, latus rectum.
Modifications:
A fine way to introduce students to conic sections is to use the video
series College Algebra: In Simplest Terms produced by the Consortium
for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP) and narrated by Sol Garfunkle.
Two episodes in the series focus on the conic sections and their applications
in today's society. It is available from The
Annenberg/CPB Projects
Enrichment Activities:
Project Launch Pad in MS Word format or in
PDF format.
Evaluation/Assessment:
State Standards:
WV IGO
A2.13, A2.24, A2.26
National Standards:
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Job/Career Cluster:
Engineering/Technical
References:
The Physics of Projectile Motion
The American
Civil War Homepage
Internet Public
Library Presidents of the United States: Abraham Lincoln
Civil War Artillery
Page
St. Louis Arch
History and Architecture
Golden Gate Bridge
Geometry in Motion
Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications
(COMAP)
The Annenberg/CPB
Projects
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Date Created:
June 16, 1999
