Students explore quadratic functions (y = ax² + bx + c) and their U-shaped graphs — parabolas — discovering how each coefficient shapes the curve, where the vertex is, and why parabolas model everything from thrown balls to satellite dishes.
Students will be able to…
A thrown ball, a fountain’s arc, a satellite dish — all follow the same U-shaped curve. What is a parabola, and what controls its shape?
Project this and change a, b, and c. Watch the parabola open up or down, widen or narrow, and see how the vertex moves.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
A ball’s path and a dish’s curve — same shape. What is it?
Teacher models.
Class uses the Parabola Grapher.
Students graph parabolas.
One parabola.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (High School: Algebra I).
Graph quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.
Produce equivalent forms of a quadratic to reveal properties.
Interpret key features of graphs (intercepts, maximums, minimums).
Identify zeros of polynomials and use them to sketch a graph.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students find where a parabola crosses the x-axis (its roots) by reading the graph or factoring. A printable quadratics sheet is in the Math library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.