Education Technology


ACT: Slope Fields and Differential Equations

by Texas Instruments

Objectives

Understand slope fields and differential equations by hand and using technology.

Vocabulary

Slope field, Differential equation, Initial conditions, specific solution, isocline

About the Lesson

Students begin using a differential equation to identify specific slopes for given coordinates. Students then use the interactive TI-Nspire file that contains a responsive slope vector providing instant feedback whilst focusing on a single set of coordinates. This understanding is then used to progressively produce a slope field where slope vectors are added as the student moves the point around the Cartesian plane. A range of differential equations are then used to explore slope fields including solutions by hand and using the CAS functionality of TI-Nspire. A support video is linked to this document so that students can prime their understanding before the lesson or as a follow up.