This lesson series is intended to be incorporated into the curriculum of the classroom in a couple of different manners. The first of which is this lesson series replacing the in-class instruction of the topic of conic sections. I have only completed the ellipse portion of this lesson and thus until I complete the circle, parabola and hyperbola sections this lesson series cannot replace the in-class instruction of conic sections. Once these are completed, I feel that for classes that have access to enough computers so that each student can have their own computer, this lesson series will work as a substitute for lecture. The teacher will still be in the room to answer questions but will not be completely responsible for the students learning. I guess I would classify this use of the lesson series as discovery learning for the students. The second method of using this lesson series that I see is for an at home review/study guide. The teacher can present the topics in class and tell his/her students to go to the web page and review the topics and do the homework assigned at the end of each lesson. The final manner in which I think this lesson series can be used is for a reference purpose. The teacher can teach the students the material in class and tell them that they can refer to this lesson for a review and more information. With this lesson series being on the internet, it is accessible 24 hours a day seven days a week. Therefore, when students are not in school, they still have access to the material they are learning no matter which manner the lessons are being incorporated into the curriculum.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students participating in this lesson series should familiar with the following:
- Basic algebra - enough to be able to manipulate equations in order to simplify them into more easily usuable equations.
- Some knowledge of Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP) but not required. This program can be learned fairly quickly if need be
- Cartesian coordinate system - will need to know how to plot points in this coordinate system in order to draw graphs of functions.
- Knowledge of how to use a graphing calculator or some of graphing prrogram to graph functions.
- Knowledge of the distance formula and how to use it.