Activity Overview
Students will analyze the vertex form of a parabola and find an approximate fit of a model. They will study the quadratic function (parabola) and its properties by developing quadratic models. They also use translation and dilation to change the general parabola.
Before the Activity
Install the Transformation Graphing application on the students' graphing calculators using one of these two methods:
TI-Connect™, a TI Connectivity Cable, and the Unit-to-Unit Link Cable
TI-Navigator™ 'send to class' feature
Connect the CBR 2™ to the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit link cable Run the Ranger program on the calculator See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity Print pages 43 - 54 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the activity procedures:
Release a ball beneath the CBR and collect data as it bounces
Observe the distance versus time plot
Store the data in lists in the calculator
Set up a scatter plot
Record the coordinates of the vertex
Sketch the axis of symmetry
Enter the general vertex form of the quadratic function
Enter estimates for the coefficients to get a best fit model for the data
After the Activity
Students study the Stamp Prices data on the Student Worksheet and predict the cost of the stamp for a year in the future.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary