Mathematics and FCIT

Conic Sections

If you teach Algebra II, Analytic Geometry, or PreCalculus, you probably teach your students how to graph conic sections.  This can be challenging, especially if you have to try and sketch the graphs on a chalkboard or white board.  Under the heading “In The Math Class - Using FCIT Resources” on bottom of the Math Guide Home Page, you will find PowerPoint presentations that I’m sure you will find beneficial to you and your students.  The lessons are ready to use and include teacher notes on the slides. You will find step-by-step instructions for graphing the conics, examples to work out, higher-order questions, and reviews. The ideal order in which to use the PowerPoint presentations is:  Introduction, Parabolas, Circles, Ellipses, Hyperbolas.  The illustrations and graphics are sure to help make this lesson a success in your class.

This lesson, Go Fish!, has a great hands-on activity!  Although found in the FCAT 8th Grade Math section, it is appropriate for students in elementary school through high school.  (Note:  The site is due to update to the latest Sunshine State Standards very soon.  Stay tuned!) The real-life activity models a capture-recapture situtation so students can see how useful proportions are.  They collect data and use proportions to make generalizations.  I have done this activity and found it simple to implement in a classroom setting.  Everything you need is on the FCIT site - lesson plan, student activity sheet, teacher’s guide, and even a video!