Lesson #160
Test on Analytic Geometry
/ Play Green Globs




Quote of the Day:

"Any teacher that can be replaced by a computer should be replaced by a computer."



Objectives:

1. The student will demonstrate all the concepts of analytic geometry that we have discussed.

2. The student will apply skills in relating equations to their graphs.

3. The student will construct equations to fit specified criteria.

4. The student will discover and explore relationships between equations and their graphs.

5. The student will create strategies to maximize the number of hits per equation.

6. The student will transform basic graphs by modifying their equations.

7. The student will work cooperatively in a group.

8. The student will strengthen skills in problem solving: guess and check, simplify; and divide and conquer.

9. The student will apply graphically a wide range of algebraic concepts and techniques



Lesson:

1. Hand out test on Analytic Geometry (Optional test).

2. Outline of Test:

I. Definitions (1 - 4)
Write out locus definitions for the conics.
Write out the general formulas for the conics.
In developing the equation for a particular conic, write down the initial equation to set it up.

II. Matching (5 - 8)
Match equations with the name of the conic (or line).

III. Sketch Graphics (9 - 12)
Given equations of graphics, sketch the graphs.

IV. Miscellaneous (13 - 16)
Determine the equation of a conic given certain information.

Given the equation of a particular conic, determine various information.

3. For those not taking the test, go to the computer lab and play green globs (explain the rules).

4. Explanation of Green Globs:

Thirteen randomly scattered green globs are displayed on a coordinate grid. The students' goal is to explode all the globs by hitting them with the graphs of equations entered at the keyboard. The scoring algorithm encourages students to hit as many globs as possible with each equation. The top ten Novice Game scores and the top ten Expert Game scores are recorded along with the games that produced them. Students can review these games to learn strategies to apply to future games.

We will play the Novice Game. The Novice Game uses a coordinate grid with -10 < x < 10 and -8 < y < 8. Thirteen green globs are scattered randomly on the grid, in a different arrangement for each game. You enter an equation, the graph of your equation is drawn, and any green globs which the graph hits will explode and disappear: Strategies and graphing techniques will apply from one game to another; but specific equations will not, because the arrangement of green globs is different for each game.

When you finish a game (by hitting all the green globs), the program compares your game score to those in the GREEN GLOBS Novice Game section of your Records file. If your score is higher than the lowest score currently in the Novice Game section, or the Novice Game section has fewer than ten scores saved in it, you will be offered the opportunity to add your game to the Records. A game added to the Records will be erased when it is no longer in the Top Ten Scores for that game.

5. Distribute a copy of Worksheet #1 and Worksheet #2.
Explain the scoring.

Worksheet #1

Worksheet #2

6. Students will fill out Worksheet #2 to record their equations.



Click here to go to the next page




Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher