In this module explore the paths of fireworks and learn about quadratic functions. Students explore parabolas graphed in Quadrant I, with roots at the origin and positive x. Students will learn about quadratic function in:

• Standard form
• Vertex form
• Factored form

In fact, students learn to use parabolas to model specific fireworks trajectories, and therefore solve for the specific parameters for those functions. Try this module for fun and engaging way to learn about quadratics.

In this Algebra Application, students develop a quadratic mathematical model for calculating the speed of a car based on the length of its skid marks. Using this model, students investigate the corresponding parabola. The math topics covered include:

• Mathematical modeling
• Quadratic functions in standard form
• Square root formula
• Data analysis

The culminating activity is for students to write a program, using either a spreadsheet or a computer language like Python, that can calculate the speed of a car, given the skid mark length and coefficient of friction as the two inputs.

Note: The download is a PDF file that includes the link to the GoogleDoc version.

In this Algebra Application, students develop a quadratic mathematical model based for the path of fireworks. Using this model, students investigate the properties of parabolas, including orientation, y-intercept, and vertex. The math topics covered include:

• Mathematical modeling
• Quadratic functions in standard, vertex, and factored form
• Curve fitting
• Solving equations

The culminating activity is for students to plan a fireworks displays that mathematically uses the properties of quadratics restricted to the first quadrant. Given the coordinates of the vertices, what are the equations of parabolas that fit the given parameters.

Note: The download is a PDF file that includes the link to the GoogleDoc version.

In this program, the TI-Nspire is used to explore the nature of quadratic functions. Examples ranging from space travel and projectile motion provide real-world examples for discovering algebraic concepts. All examples are solved graphically. The teacher’s guide provides all keystrokes shown in the video, as well as providing support for TI-84 users. Algebra teachers looking to integrate hand-held technology and visual media into their instruction will benefit greatly from this series. Concepts explored: Quadratic functions and equations, standard form, graphing quadratic equations, solving quadratic equations graphically.

This video includes a Teacher's Guide: https://www.media4math.com/library/algebra-nspirations-teachers-guide-quadratic-functions

This video includes a Video Transcript: https://www.media4math.com/library/video-transcript-algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions

This video includes a Promethean Flipchart: https://www.media4math.com/library/promethean-flipchart-algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions

In this Investigation we explore quadratic functions and their graphs.

This video is Segment 1 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions. Segments 1 and 2 are grouped together. To access Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions, Segment 2, click the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-segment-2

A Video Transcript for Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions, Segments 1 and 2 is available via the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/video-transcript-algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-part-1

In this Math Lab we explore how changing values of b affect the graph of a quadratic function.

This video is Segment 2 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions. Segments 1 and 2 are grouped together. To access Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions, Segment 1, click the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-segment-1

A Video Transcript for Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions, Segments 1 and 2 is available via the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/video-transcript-algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-part-1

In this Investigation we use a quadratic model to explore the path of a rocket into space.

This video is Segment 3 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities. Segments 3 and 4 are grouped together. To access Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities, Segment 4, click the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-segment-4

A Video Transcript for Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities, Segments 3 and 4 is available via the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/video-transcript-algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-part-2

In this Math Lab we look at a quadratic model for a rocket descending toward the Moon's surface.

This video is Segment 4 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities. Segments 3 and 4 are grouped together. To access Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities, Segment 3, click the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-segment-3

A Video Transcript for Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities, Segments 3 and 4 is available via the following link:

• https://www.media4math.com/library/video-transcript-algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-part-2

In this program, the TI-Nspire is used to explore the nature of quadratic functions. Examples ranging from space travel and projectile motion provide real-world examples for discovering algebraic concepts. All examples are solved graphically. The teacher’s guide provides all keystrokes shown in the video, as well as providing support for TI-84 users. Algebra teachers looking to integrate hand-held technology and visual media into their instruction will benefit greatly from this series. Concepts explored: Quadratic functions and equations, standard form, graphing quadratic equations, solving quadratic equations graphically.

A Video Transcript is available for this tutorial at this Link

Note: The download is Media4Math's guide to closed captioned videos.

Other Closed Captioned Videos

To see the complete collection of Closed Captioned Videos, click on this Link

In this Investigation we explore quadratic functions and their graphs. This video is Segment 1 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions. Segments 1 and 2 are grouped together. To access Algebra Nspirations: Quadratic Functions, Segment 2, click the following link: • https://www.media4math.com/library/algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-segment-2

A Video Transcript is available for this tutorial at this Link

Note: The download is Media4Math's guide to closed captioned videos.

Other Closed Captioned Videos

To see the complete collection of Closed Captioned Videos, click on this Link

In this Investigation we use a quadratic model to explore the path of a rocket into space. This video is Segment 3 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities. Segments 3 and 4 are grouped together. To access Algebra Nspirations: Inequalities, Segment 4, click the following link: • https://www.media4math.com/library/algebra-nspirations-quadratic-functions-segment-4

A Video Transcript is available for this tutorial at this Link

Note: The download is Media4Math's guide to closed captioned videos.

Other Closed Captioned Videos

To see the complete collection of Closed Captioned Videos, click on this Link

In this TI Nspire tutorial, the Graph window is used to create a slider-based graph of a quadratic function in standard form. This video supports the TI-Nspire Clickpad and Touchpad.

This Mini-Tutorial Video includes a WORKSHEET: https://www.media4math.com/library/worksheet-ti-nspire-mini-tutorial-exploring-quadratic-functions-standard-form-using-sliders

A Video Transcript is available for this tutorial at this Link.

Note: The download is Media4Math's guide to closed captioned videos.

Other Closed Captioned Videos

To see the complete collection of Closed Captioned Videos, click on this Link.

In this TI Nspire tutorial, the Graph window is used to create a slider-based graph of a quadratic function in vertex form. This video supports the TI-Nspire Clickpad and Touchpad. 

This Mini-Tutorial Video includes a WORKSHEET: https://www.media4math.com/library/worksheet-ti-nspire-mini-tutorial-exploring-quadratic-functions-vertex-form-using-sliders

A Video Transcript is available for this tutorial at this Link.

Note: The download is Media4Math's guide to closed captioned videos.

Other Closed Captioned Videos

To see the complete collection of Closed Captioned Videos, click on this Link.

In this TI Nspire tutorial, a Graph window is used to solve a quadratic equation using the Trace tool. This video supports the TI-Nspire Clickpad and Touchpad.

This video includes a Worksheet: https://www.media4math.com/library/worksheet-ti-nspire-mini-tutorial-finding-zeros-quadratic-function-using-trace-feature

A Video Transcript is available for this tutorial at this Link

Note: The download is Media4Math's guide to closed captioned videos.

Other Closed Captioned Videos

To see the complete collection of Closed Captioned Videos, click on this Link.

In this TI Nspire tutorial, the Graph window is used to graph a quadratic function. This video supports the TI-Nspire Clickpad and Touchpad.

This Mini-Tutorial Video includes a WORKSHEET: https://www.media4math.com/library/worksheet-ti-nspire-mini-tutorial-graphing-quadratic-function

A Video Transcript is available for this tutorial at this Link.

Note: The download is Media4Math's guide to closed captioned videos.

Other Closed Captioned Videos

To see the complete collection of Closed Captioned Videos, click on this Link

The definition of the term "Solving Quadratics Graphically." Note: The download is a JPG file. Related Resources To see the complete collection of glossary terms in the Visual Glossary, click on this link: https://media4math.com/Visual-Glossary

Derive the equation of a parabola with a vertex at the origin and focus at coordinates (0, f) using a Desmos graphing calculator. There is a companion worksheet for this activity, which subscribers can download. The worksheet is a PDF file.

Related Resources

To see all the Desmos resources in the Media4Math library, click on this link. 

To see other related resources, click on the Related Resources tab above.

Derive the equation of a parabola with Focus at coordinates (a, c) and Directrix at y = c using a Desmos graphing calculator. There is a companion worksheet for this activity, which subscribers can download. The worksheet is a PDF file.

Related Resources

To see all the Desmos resources in the Media4Math library, click on this link. 

To see other related resources, click on the Related Resources tab above.

Explore quadratic functions in standard form using this Desmos graphing calculator activity. In addition to graphing the parabola, it tracks the coordinates of the vertex and the axis of symmetry. There is a companion worksheet for this activity, which subscribers can download. The worksheet is a PDF file.

Related Resources

To see all the Desmos resources in the Media4Math library, click on this link. 

To see other related resources, click on the Related Resources tab above.

Explore quadratic functions in vertex form using this Desmos graphing calculator activity. In addition to graphing the parabola, it tracks the coordinates of the vertex and the axis of symmetry. There is a companion worksheet for this activity, which subscribers can download. The worksheet is a PDF file.

Related Resources

To see all the Desmos resources in the Media4Math library, click on this link. 

To see other related resources, click on the Related Resources tab above.

In this graphing calculator activity, have your students explore quadratic functions of the form y = ax². This Desmos template allows students to explore the effect of changes in the coefficient a on the graph of the parabola. A companion downloadable worksheet uses the graphing calculator template to explore the properties of these quadratic functions.

Note: The download is a PDF worksheet.

In this graphing calculator activity, have your students explore quadratic functions of the form y = ax² + c. This Desmos template allows students to explore the effect of changes in the values of a and c on the graph of the parabola. A companion downloadable worksheet uses the graphing calculator template to explore the properties of these quadratic functions.

Note: The download is a PDF worksheet.

In this graphing calculator activity, have your students explore quadratic functions of the form y = ax² + bx. This Desmos template allows students to explore the effect of changes in the values of a and b on the graph of the parabola. A companion downloadable worksheet uses the graphing calculator template to explore the properties of these quadratic functions.

Note: The download is a PDF worksheet.

In this graphing calculator activity, have your students explore quadratic functions of the form y = ax² + bx + c. This Desmos template allows students to explore the effect of changes in the values of a, b, and c on the graph of the parabola. A companion downloadable worksheet uses the graphing calculator template to explore the properties of these quadratic functions.

Note: The download is a PDF worksheet.

In this Slide Show, learn about a recent space mission to land a satellite on a comet. Note: The download is a PPT file.