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.