1. Original Lesson Plan
Course: Mathematics 3B
Topic: Introduction to Conic Sections
Standard: MM3G2b
Essential Question:
What are conic sections, and why did they get that name?
Lesson Framework:
The goal of this lesson is to introduce students to the four basic conic sections and for them to
understand where they come from and how they are created. In order to do this the teacher will
lead a discussion based on manipulating the three-dimensional conic section from the Wolfram
Demonstrations project. Throughout this discussion students will take guided notes on the
characteristics of the various conic sections and how they are created. Guided notes handout
includes:
• names of the 4 types of conic sections
• pictures of the 4 types of conic sections
• explanation of how each section is created from a plane sliced through a cone at varying
angles
• explanation of which conic sections are functions and why
Revised Lesson Plan
Course: Mathematics 3B
Topic: Introduction to Conic Sections
Standard: MM3G2b
Essential Question:
What are conic sections, and why did they get that name?
Lesson Framework:
The goal of this lesson is to introduce students to the four basic conic sections and for them to
understand where they come from and how they are created. Students will work in groups of
three or four using the apps and website listed below to investigate conic sections.
Apps: Khan Academy, Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant and Conics G-GPE 1, 3, and
Conics4Kids (iPad & iPhone only), JEE Prep Conic Section (Android only)
Web Resource:Wolfram Demonstrations Project
Students will conduct research on a mobile device with the goal of addressing each of the points
below. Each group will create an online presentation or record a video that addresses these
points. The url of the presentation or video will be posted to the class edmodo page.
• What are conic sections and why did they get this name?
2. • What are the different types of conic sections?
• How is each conic section created? (Geometrically, not algebraically. You do not
need to worry about the equations of these conic sections yet. We will tackle this
later.)
• Find a picture of each type of conic section. Make sure your pictures are labeled
with the appropriate name.
• Are conic sections functions? Make sure you explain your conclusion using the
definition of a function.
TechnologyNeeds;
Each group students needs a minimum of two mobile devices on which to complete the activity.
Groups that do not have enough devices will be allowed to check out an iPad from the
classroom set that is available in the Media Center.
Students will have access to this lesson at http://amyers-nhs.weebly.com/intro-to-conic-
sections-lesson.html or via the qr code below.
