8th Grade:
Algebra I Quadratic Equations Project
We already know that a quadratic equation can be written in the form . For the past two weeks, we have been learning how to factor equations in this form. Another form of a quadratic equation is called vertex form and it looks like this:
In this form, the a is the same as in the first form, but the h and the k are different from the coefficients a and b of the first form.
In this project, you will start by graphing the basic quadratic equation and see how it compares to equations with an a, h, k, or all three. You will try to determine how the values of these numbers affect the graph of the equation.
You will begin by learning about the vocabulary of quadratic function graphs. You need to learn the meaning of these words in the context of a quadratic graph: vertex, axis of symmetry, roots, maximum, minimum. You may look these up in a textbook, use the internet, or some other method, but before you continue, you must understand how these words help you to describe the graph of a quadratic function.
Once you know the meaning of these words, you may go to the lab and use the program called Green Globs and Graphing Equations. You will use this program to explore quadratic equations by doing the following:
Start the program Green Globs and Graphing Equations under Sunburst in the program list
Under Programs on the top menu, select Linear and Quadratic Graphs
Under Linear and Quadratic Graphs on the top menu, select Parabolas
Select Easy to Hard and then begin
When you have mastered this, you can hone your skills by playing the game Tracker:
Start the program Green Globs and Graphing Equations under Sunburst in the program list
Under Programs on the top menu, select Tracker
Under Tracker on the top menu, select Start a Novice Game
Select Parabola and Line and then begin
Once you have learned how the values of a, h, and k affect the graph of a quadratic equation, you will create a written report that explains everything you have learned about quadratic equations. You will include graphs to illustrate your conclusions.
Your grade will be based upon your written report. Look below for the requirements of this report:
Vocabulary word definitions
Explanations of the meaning of each of a, h and k in a quadratic equation.
Descriptions of how these values change the shape and/or location of the equation.
Explain how to find the vertex and axis of symmetry by looking just at the equation.
Explain how to determine how many roots the function has by looking at the graph.
Illustrations which consist of accurate and carefully drawn graphs which include the equation of the function being graphed.
A short reflection on how you feel about this method of learning.
Extra credit: Explain how to convert an equation of the form to vertex form by completing the square.
7th Grade:
Name:__________________________________ Section _____________________
Filling and Wrapping Final Project Rubric
Due: Tuesday March 27, 3pm
See Filling and Wrapping textbook page 73 for guidelines
What Points Possible Points awarded
Packages:
Small:
Visual Appeal 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Cost 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Stacking 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Medium:
Visual Appeal 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Cost 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Stacking 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Large:
Visual Appeal 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Cost 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Stacking 5 (+2 for extra credit)
Written proposal:
Cost Estimates 5
Description of packages 5
Explanation 5
Patterns (3) 10
Persuasive argument 5
Other:
Creativity 10
Presentation 10
Neatness and organization 5
Total: 100 points
Total Points:
Additional Notes _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6th Grade:
Name _______________________________ Section: __________________
Sixth Grade Probability Project
Due: Tuesday, March 27 3PM
You are to create a simple game for your classmates to play that involves spinners, dice, bean bags, playing cards, etc. Once you have created your game, you will test it by playing it over and over again. As you play the game, you will keep track of how many times you play and how many times you win or lose. If necessary, tweak your game and experiment again. In addition to your actual game, you will create a set of instructions that tell contestants how to play your game and a written report that will include:
A description of your game, how you created it, and how you changed it as you tried it out
A summary of your trial wins and losses
A prediction of how many people would win your game if 100 people played.
A reflection about what you learned in doing this project
Grading Rubric:
Game
Appeal 20 pts
Creativity 20 pts
Instructions 10 pts
Written Report 50 pts
