Musings about math education.
Andrew Busch
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Quadratics and Complex Numbers

Hyperlinked lesson names have blog write-ups about them.
Falling Rocks and Glowsticks
I'll write about this one when I have some spare time.
Penny Circle
I use this in conjunction with Dan Meyer's Penny Circle 3 ACT lesson. I found the Penny Circle too difficult for my Algebra 1 students without a bit of scaffolding. My Algebra 2 students could do it after working with matrices. Here's the handout I use to help the students walk through the thinking process.
10b_graphing_with_pennies_3_act.docx
File Size: 60 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

You can download videos for the Penny Circle here.
Snowboard Quadratic
After three days of working on this task, Algebra 1 students are transforming quadratic functions to fit real data. Brilliant!
Have students come up with Quadratics
It's a simple enough concept--have students come up with quadratic equations which match the given criteria.
10g.2_have_students_come_up_with_quadratic_functions_that.docx
File Size: 15 kb
File Type: docx
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Fitting a Quadratic Model to Data
At this point, I've already introduced y=a(x-h)^2+k using desmos. My goal is to get students to use the idea of transformations to fit quadratics to messy data. For that I have three examples.
Picture
6.6_basketball_free_throw_data.ggb
File Size: 4 kb
File Type: ggb
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free_throw_quadratic_-_slow.mp4
File Size: 378 kb
File Type: mp4
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Picture
6.6_rolling_a_can_data.ggb
File Size: 7 kb
File Type: ggb
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rolling_a_can-main.mp4
File Size: 1143 kb
File Type: mp4
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Picture
projectile_data.ggb
File Size: 4 kb
File Type: ggb
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projectile_quadratic_video.mp4
File Size: 100 kb
File Type: mp4
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Quadratic Posters Project - Algebra 1
I use this as a summative assessment for my Algebra 1 classes. 
Pennies, Dominoes and Polynomial Patterns
This activity is more for Algebra 2. The goal is for students to make a table of data and look at differences to tell the degree of the polynomial function. From there, students create a system of equations and solve--preferably using matrices.
11-10_pennies_dominoes_and_polynomial_patterns.docx
File Size: 37 kb
File Type: docx
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M&M Catapults
I co-opted this from 8ismyluckynumber. I made some changes to better fit my students. If your thinking about doing this with your class, I suggest reading my post about it (linked on the left).
6_m_and_m_catapult_project.doc
File Size: 120 kb
File Type: doc
Download File

Bullseye
This was a fun crossover of physics and math class. All it takes is some meter sticks, masking tape, steel balls or large marbles and a wee bit of tech. I loved this lesson for an Algebra 2 class. It's too much for Algebra 1--even the advanced ones.

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