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Distance Formula
Learners create ways to find the number of square miles that lie in a triangle having vertices at A, B, and C. They compute the distance between two points and use Heron's formula to find the area of the triangle. Finally, students...
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Exploring the Witch of Agnesi
students construct the graph of the Witch of Agnesi, and investigate both its asymptotes and inflection points. They construct the graph of the Witch of Agnesi and conjecture the asymptotes and inflection points of the function. ...
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Plotting Points
Eighth graders practice plotting points on a coordinate plane.  As a class, they create and label the parts of a graph.  Given ordered pairs, they plot the points, connect them to reveal a particular shape, and find the area of the shape.
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Geometric Transformations
Students solve problems involving transformations of geometric figures. They review graphing points in the coordinate plain, plot points and connect to create a triangle. Then, they reflect triangles over the x and y axis and use...
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Coordinate Graphs
Students use coordinate graphs in order to identify objects and their locations. They are shown how to plot the x and y coordinates and then are given values to be plotted during guided and independent practice. Students are assessed on...
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Straight Line Graphs
Pupils review the techniques of plotting and reading points on a grid. They identify why facts explaining how to read coordinates as well as the importance of the order in which the coordinates are given. Individual practice of equations...
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Earth's Rotation
Learners explore the Earth and its rotation.  Volunteers model the sun-Earth system to demonstrate that the Earth rotates around the sun.  In groups, students simulate "traveling" around the sun and discuss when it is night and day.
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Find the Shape
Learners identify points on the coordinate plane using ordered pairs and also plot the ordered pairs on the coordinate plane. They also use properties of shapes to identify polygons such as triangles and quadrilaterals
(square,...
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Graphing on a Coordinate Plane
Eighth graders explore the coordinate system.  They identify the x and y-axis, parts of the coordinate plane, and discuss the process of plotting points.  To emphasize the process of plotting points, 8th graders play an ordered pair...
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Can You Help Me Find My Way Home? (Coordinate Plane)
Fifth graders locate points on a coordinate plane.  Through lecture and observation, they discover the parts of the coordinate plane and how to plot an ordered pair.  Students locate x and y values in an ordered pair.
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A slope or not a slope? That is the question.
Eighth graders investigate concepts related to Cartesian Coordinates. They use a creative game at the beginning of the lesson to identify quadrants by passing candy to one another. The rest of the lesson is using vocabulary and problem...
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Graphing Coordinates
Sixth graders practice graphing coordinates. In this geometry instructional activity, they use the x and y axis to locate points that must be connected in the right sequence to form a straight line.
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Graphing Ordered Pairs
Seventh graders investigate the concept of ordered pairs as found in Algebra. They are introduced to the data set that corresponds to the coordinate system. Also students practice the graphing the ordered pairs using the x and y axis.
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Coordinate Grid: Mapping Archeological Sites
Fourth graders discover how to apply the Cartesian coordinate system by figuring out the length and width of their school playground.  They determine that pacing is an important tool for the initial mapping of a site.  Students conduct a...
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Mapping with a Compass: A Simulated Survey
Students use compasses and grids to map the locations of artifacts found in a simulated dig site.  In groups, they role-play as future archeologists excavating a school site.  Groups begin at their assigned datum and site the artifacts...
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Coordinate Grid: Mapping an Archaeological Site
Students examine how archaeologists preserve context of sites through use of rectangular grid or Cartesian coordinate system, and develop sense of distance by pacing off and estimating distances.
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Map Grids
Students study map grids and explore how they can be used to locate positions of objects or features on a map. They read a story and then participate in a grid activity using a large map of the setting of the story.
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Classmate Grid
Students interview classmates and record their findings on a coordinate grid using Inspiration or Kidspiration and digital cameras. This lesson is technology-based and includes resource links.
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Coordinate Plane Treasure Hunt
Pupils create a treasure map by plotting points on a coordinate plane using a computer drawing program.  Students name and identify different landmasses and structures on their map.  They create instructions to find the treasure that is...
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Cartesian Baseball
High schoolers are told what a coordinate system is and also that it provides a way of uniquely describing each point on a plane or in space. They are given a practice problem along with the equation. Students solve the following...
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Fossil Fuels and Its Effects On The World
Students explore the effects of a declining fossil fuel system would have on the world.  They read the line graph and other information to answer questions about fossil fuels.  Students use mathematics to analyze graphical data and...
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SkyServer Scanvenger Hunt
Students discover the variety and beauty of objects in the sky and the ability of a research telescope to obtain quantitative information about these objects. They use the SkyServer Navigation Tool to identify objects and record...
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Anamorphosis
Students classify optical illusions according to their distinguishing characteristics. They create anamorphic art and use Mylar flexible mirrors to view and then they describe and analyze the optical illusion.
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Geometry and Measurement
Young scholars view a right triangle displayed by the teacher. Students measure legs and the interior angles of the triangle. They look for a pattern or relationship between the legs and angles. Young scholars use pegboards and string to...