Parabola Teacher Resources

Starting with a point (focus) and a line below the point (directrix), in this video, Sal tries to find the set of all points (locus) equidistant to the point and the line. He shows, using the distance formula, that indeed, we have an...

Starting with a point (focus) and a line below the point (directrix), in this video, Sal tries to find the set of all points (locus) equidistant to the point and the line. He shows, using the distance formula, that indeed, we have an...

Continuing from a previous video, Sal takes the discussion of the focus and directrix of parabola further. Given the parabola, y=x2, he derives the focus and directrix by matching parts of the equation he found earlier. He then, comes up...

Moving parabolas off of graph paper and into the real world is the task at hand in this detailed poster project. First, learners perform a cumulative activity identifying many characteristics of an assigned quadratic equation. Next, they...

Students explore parabolas.  In this algebra and technology lesson, students construct the equation of a specific parabola, then take digital photos of real-life representations of these parabolas.  Students create a podcast with a...

Students review how to graph parabolas. They practice graphing two different parabolas using the vertex and table method. They solve problems related to graphing circles, determining the radius and the center.

Students define a parabola through hands on creation. In this algebra instructional activity, students analyze the directrix and focus of a parabola. They create a paper parabola and identify the vertex with points equal distance apart...

Continuing from a previous video, Sal takes the discussion of the focus and directrix of parabola further. Given the parabola, y=x2, he derives the focus and directrix by matching parts of the equation he found earlier. He then, comes up...

Put together the pieces and model a parabola. Learners work through several examples to develop an understanding of a parabola graphically and algebraically. 

Congruence and similarity apply to functions as well as polygons. Learners examine the effects of transformations on the shape of parabolas. They determine the transformation(s) that produce similar and congruent functions.

Augment a unit on parabolas with an instructive math activity. Pupils graph parabolas by examining the relationship between the focus and directrix. 

Where did conic sections get their name? The equation and graph of a parabola are developed from the definition of the conic section. Teacher examples on graphing the equation and writing an equation from the graph round out the plan.

What do you get when you graph a quadratic function? Not a line, that's the graph of a linear equation. The graph of a quadratic function is a curved line, either opening upward like a smile, or opening downward like a frown. The...

Class members select a picture that contains a parabola and construct a drawing of it using function graphs in the quadratic project. Individuals restrict the domains of the functions to create a more accurate drawing. They then submit a...

Explore the properties of parabolas in this lesson. Construct a parabola given a focus and a directrix on the Ti-Nspire. Write equations of parabolas in vertex form and determine the a value of a parabola given a focus and directrix.

Explore graphing quadratic functions by writing them in vertex form. Learners use their skills of completing the square to rewrite standard form in vertex form. They recognize key features in the equation and transfer them to the graph,...

Jump at the chance to use parabolas. Young mathematicians apply trigonometry to explore the trajectory of a ball in different situations. Some walls cause the ball to bounce, so participants must consider all possibilities.

Scholars investigate transforming parabolas.  In this transforming parabolas lesson plan, they take the parent graph y=x^2 and transform it by shifting left, right, up, and down and shrinking and stretching. The class finds maximums,...

Explaining that the only thing he gets in return for these videos "is the satisfaction of you guys getting a perfect score on the SAT," Sal charges on through the practice SAT problems. Students who have a difficulty with parabolas and...

Learners practice generating parabolas with a motion sensor while determining the vertex form of the equation. They compare it to the regression equation from the calculator onto a data mate software. Each student completes several...