Lesson Plans

Space Equations # In this lesson, students model the orbit of a satellite and the trajectory of a missile with a system of equations. They solve the equations both graphically and algebraically.
I'm Focused on the Right Directrix # In this lesson, the geometric definition of a parabola is introduced. Students will also learn how to write the equation of a parabola in vertex form given its focus and directrix.
Discovering Properties of Parabolas by Comparing and Contrasting Parabolic Equations #
- Teachers can use this resource to teach students how to derive the equation of a parabola in vertex form y = a(x – h)² + k, when given the (x, y) coordinates of the focus and the linear equation of the directrix.
- An additional interactive graphing spreadsheet can be used as a resource to aid teachers in providing examples.
Acting Out A Parabola: the importance of a vertex and directrix # Students will learn the significance of a parabola's vertex and directrix. They will learn the meaning of what exactly a parabola is by physically representing a parabola, vertex, and directrix. Students will be able to write an equation of a parabola given only a vertex and directrix.
Explore the Properties of a Parabola and Practice Writing its Equation # Students learn parabola properties, how to write parabola equations, and how to apply parabolas to solve problems.
Definition of a Parabola # Student will learn the algebraic representation of a parabola, given its focus and its directrix.
Anatomy of a Parabola # Students learn the parts of a parabola and write its equation given the focus and directrix. A graphic organizer is used for students to label all parts of the parabola and how it is created.
The Math Behind the Records # Students will develop an understanding of how the position of the focus and directrix affect the shape of a parabola. They will also learn how to write the equation of a parabola given the focus and directrix. Ultimately this will lead to students being able to write an equation to model the parabolic path an athlete's center of mass follows during the high jump.
A Point and a Line to a Parabola! # In this lesson, the student will use the definition of a parabola and a graphing grid (rectangular with circular grid imposed) to determine the graph of the parabola when given the directrix and focus. From this investigation, and using the standard form of the parabola, students will determine the equation of the parabola.
Introduction to the Conic Section Parabola # This lesson is an introduction into conic sections using Styrofoam cups and then taking a closer look at the parabola by using patty paper to show students how a parabola is formed by a focus and a directrix.

Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Representations of Parabolic Functions # <p>Don't get bent out of shape! Here's some ideas about how parabolic functions are connected to the real world and different ways they can be represented.</p>

Problem-Solving Tasks

Finding Parabolas through Two Points # This problem-solving task challenges students to find all quadratic functions described by a given equation and coordinates, and to describe how the graphs of those functions are related to one another.
Graphs of Quadratic Functions # Students are challenged to compare and analyze graphs of different quadratic functions, and then use given conditions to produce equations of their own. Students should be familiar with the vertex and intercepts of a parabola as well as the vertex form of the quadratic equation.