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Abstract
Prior to this lesson, students should have reasonable
understanding of graphing a quadratic function. Students should also
have experience utlilizing the internet search program.
The
outcome of this lesson is to recognize the use of parabolas in
architecture and to be able to calculate the approximate constant of
variation.
Lesson fundamental understandings:
Essential
Questions:
Standards
National Standards Understand various
types of patterns and functional relationships
State Standards
Lesson
Prerequisite Skills
Teacher
Information/Situations/Setting/Time
Assessment
Check students individual work for accuracy of the constant of
variation based on their internet information.
Student Activity/Tasks Day 1 - Start a
class discussion on "Where have you seen the use of the parabolic
shape?" Some examples may be: suspension brideges, arcs, McDonald's
arches, etc. You may have to lead the discussion towards domes and
satellite dishes. This discussion should only take about 5 minutes.
With these thoughts in mind, have the students access the internet
and research the parabolic shape in useful construction(suspension
bridges) art form(McDonald's arches) and recreation use(parabolic
solar cooker). Don't tell them what to look up, they will find these
interesting sites all by themselves(mine found the parabolic solar
cooker and the flight pattern of a gravity defying test plane!!).
Let them spend the class period just researching and finding neat-o
stuff on the computer, this will generate more excitement about
graphing quadratic functions than any lecture you could ever
present.
Day 2 -- With the information from previous days
research, the students will calculate the constant of variation.
Enrichment/Alternate Activity:
Cross-Curricular:
Technology
Requirements/Tools/Materials
Acknowledgements:
Additional Resources
Main
URL:
Related Lessons
Related Resources
Copyright © 1997-2003
Career Connection to Teaching with Technology
USDOE Technology Innovation Challenge Grant
Marshall Ransom, Project Manager
All rights reserved.
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