Thematic+Unit

The thematic unit that I have chosen to do is based on the curriculum for second year algebra. During this course of study students are required to deepen their understanding of the nature of quadratic equations and the parabolic graphs that result from them. The main focus of this learning is based on the following Washington state EARL: ·  A2.3.A Translate between the standard form of a quadratic function, the vertex form, and the factored form; graph and interpret the meaning of each form As these different types and forms of the quadratic equations are learned and manipulated their usefulness becomes more apparent. In order to reach this level of understanding the students need to learn each form individually and then learn how to move between each of them. With this understanding of the different forms will come a usefulness of the equations that will help the students to find different values of great practical importance and application. One of the most widely used applications of quadratic equations is finding the extreme scenarios of a given situation. This is especially true when it comes to the maximizing an area or minimizing an expense. The different forms of the equations will allow students to quickly find these extreme values and free them to interpret what meanings they hold. The name of this thematic unit reflects this application to extreme values and their applications. The progression of the lessons will lead to an application where students will need to find the best way to complete a project of their choice. Their justification of what is the “best way” will need to be based on the application of an extreme value of a quadratic and how they are able to find or construct this value. To get to this point of understanding the students will need to learn each of the forms and then be able to move between them. The lesson that has been prepared here is to introduce the concept of quadratic equations and their parts. It allows the students to find the vertex (local maximum or minimum) through a process of self discovery. The class will need access to computers, a little patience, and some creativity to discover the relationships that are needed. The students will complete the worksheet linked below.

[|Quadratic Functions Worksheet.docx]