This comprehensive unit investigates transformations of quadratics, having learners follow "Optima" through the development and growth of her quilting business. Deftly weaving the story into the mathematical mechanics, the unit gives forms and transformations of quadratic functions a unique grounding in physical situations. Learners break down the whys and the hows of transformations, in the process developing a keen mathematical intuition for teasing information out of the function.

Concepts

transformations, quadratic equations, functions, intercepts, completing the square, factoring

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

math

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Access to real quilts / quilting materials would add an aspect of tangibility to the concepts
• Algebra tiles would aid in differentiating instruction or help to remediate concepts if necessary 

Classroom Considerations

• Unit builds both in math concepts and in storyline, complicating student absences

Pros

• Concepts presented from multiple angles (physical, algebraic, arithmetic), linking representations from these arenas
• Problems build slowly in complexity, reducing the intimidation factor
• Clear directions provided for sequencing investigation, guided practice, direct instruction and independent practice

Cons

• No teacher keys for student worksheets
• No final summative assessment provided

Common Core

HSA-SSE.B.3.a HSF-IF.C.7.a HSF-IF.C.8.a HSF-BF.A.1.a HSF-BF.B.3