Brief Description

 Students will identify quadratic expressions and equations. They will solve quadratic equations using 3 methods. They will determine the nature of the roots using the discriminant. Students will produce a document/pamphlet explaining how to solve a quadratic equation, for another student.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

1T-P1:  Use the appropriate technology device to complete a task
3T-P1:  Communicate to a variety of audiences using professional level technology tools

3M-P3:  Analyze the effects of parameter changes on fuctions (e.g., linear quadratic, and
              trigonometric) using calculators and/or computers.
3M-P6:  Perform mathematical operations on expressions and matrices, and solve
              equations and inequalities

Academic

• Students will understand what is meant by quadratic expressions and quadratic equations.
• Students will solve quadratic equations using “Factoring by Guessing” and the Quadratic Formula.
• Students will know how to find the nature of the root using the Discriminant.
• Students will investigate the behavior of a quadratic graph, by changing the parameters a, h, and k in the equation        y = a(x – h)² + k
• Create a document/pamphlet for another student to use, explaining how to solve a quadratic equation.

• Use the Internet links in a TrackStar to find answers to questions about Quadratics.
• Use a computer graphing calculator to investigate the behavior of a quadratic function.
• Use the computer to produce a document/pamphlet, explaining how to solve any quadratic equation.
 

• Be able to use a scroll bar.
• Be able to use Word, Publisher, etc. to produce a document/pamphlet.
• Insert mathematical symbols into a document.

Internet
Word/publisher (or similar programs)
Student Handout

Accommodations for Special Needs

Have these students work with another student

Procedures

• Students will go to the TrackStar by typing in the URL: http://trackstar.hprtec.org   (information given in Student Handout)
• They will use the TrackStar to answer the questions given. They will take a quiz in the last link.
• They will then be asked to produce a document/pamphlet (to be used by another student) explaining how they would solve any quadratic equation.

• Quiz taken in the trackstar, questions in a chapter test.
• Document/pamphlet will be assessed for accuracy and ease of readability by teacher or teacher/independent student.