Activity Overview
This activity is based on the "Exploring Parabolas" activity from the Numb3rs season 1 episode "Structural Corruption".
Students use the graphing handheld to determine the equation of a parabola given data points and to find the vertex and x-intercepts.
Students also utilize the Conic Graphing APP in order to investigate the conic section form of the equation of a parabola.
Finally, students will find the equation of a parabola given an Activity Center activity.
Before the Activity
Students should know how to use a system of equations in order to determine the equation of a parabola when given data points.
During the Activity
Students use the graphing handheld to determine the equation of a parabola given data points and to find the vertex and x-intercepts. Students also utilize the Conic Graphing APP in order to investigate the conic section form of the equation of a parabola. Finally, students will find the equation of a parabola given an Activity Center activity.
After the Activity
Engage in class discussion to monitor student understanding. Reteach concepts as necessary.