We teach conic form in Geometry during our Coordinate Geometry Unit.
Wherever you’re tasked with teaching it, here are some ideas for making it better for you and your classes!
For us, students have just learned how to sketch the graph of a circle from standard form using the center and radius, and now they are learning how to complete the square (introduced in Algebra 1) to go from general to standard form.
Use an Animation of the Graph of a Circle
Desmos to the rescue! Here, students can visually recognize that for the graph of a circle, they need the center and the radius…and that those come directly from the standard form equation!
Notes Refresher & Ready-to-Use Practice
For a nice refresher for you or to use as your notes for the class, go here. You’ll need to scroll down past Example 3 to the section called “The Circle in General Form”. This walks through the process of converting to standard form.
If you keep scrolling, you’ll see the Part B problems which are perfect practice to use…and there’s an answer key! And it’s free! {happy dance, lol}
Visual Representation of Completing the Square
Oh my goodness! I love this visual demonstration of completing the square so much! Watch for yourself and decide if it’s a good one for your kids. I think you’ll love it as much as I do. The ooh’s and ah’s are priceless.
{insert fireworks here, haha}
Wasn’t that great?!
I think this is one of those “you do you, fam” moments when you really have to decide if it makes more sense to use the video as an introduction OR…as a follow up to the first example OR…later on in the section.
Assessment
Here’s a 5 question Google Forms formative assessment. It’s great for use as an exit ticket/ticket out the door, a warm up, or a homework check.
I’m walking you through it so that you can make your own or decide if you’d like to purchase mine.
This mini formative is part of the Coordinate Geometry Unit of formative assessments I use. I’d love your feedback! Let me know what you think! (You can email me at mary@kennedyfamfive.com.)
Now get out there and TEACH. You’ve got this!
