Why do we study quadratics? There are multiple ways in mathematics to solve quadratics. Depending on the quadratic given to you, some of the methods are easier than others.

In our webquest, we will investigate the multiple methods to solve quadratics using the internet. The purpose of this internet investigation is to become math experts with these methods and to then learn to select the most efficient method to solve the quadratic handed to us.

Can we use methods to solve quadratics in our everyday lives? YES! After searching on the internet, you and your group will collaborate to how see the parabola, the graph of a quadratic, plays a role in the real world. There are many situations in our lives that have the same charateristics as a parabola. We will apply what we know about quadratics to investigate and solve these real life applications.

Your team has been assigned to the investigation of quadratics. You group members will all use the links provided as well as other resources(class notes, algebra 32 book, library resources) to become experts at solving quadratics. There are mulltiple methods to solving quadratics: factoring, quadratic formula, completing the square, graphing, square roots, so your task as a team is to make sure you investigate all these methods. Then, you and your teammates will use your expertise to pick the most efficient method to solve a real world applications of quadratics.
You should achieve the following goals: 1) develop an interest in the study of Quadratics; 2)use the power of the Internet for advanced exploration; 3) learn information about key aspects of Quadratics; 4) learn all the above methods to solve quadratics; 5)work with your teammates to solve a real world application of Quadratics; 6) work with teammates to use the most efficient method of solving the real world Quadratics.

You will be working together as a group exploring web sites that Ms. Zarich has selected. First you'll select two group members. In total there should be three members in your group. Be wise in your selection. Choose teammates you can depend on to work diligently and do their fair share of the work. Once you choose your team members all ready the introduction on quadratics before you get started.

Next, put on your thinking caps on and get ready to use your math mind!For the next hour go to the links that are listed in the resources section. Look specifically for content related to 'quadratics'. As you search, keep a journal of where you go and what you find at that site. Find at least ten sources and record what information the site provided you with. This journal can be hand-written(neatly) or typed. Only one is necessary for each group.

Now, back to the real world. Complete the assignments given in the process section. You and your teammates will split up the work at this point. All of you will be assigned two word problems to solve using one of the methods to solve quadratics. Show all of you work in pencil in your journal and state which method you used to solve the quadratic. Remember your goal is to use the most efficient method to solve the quadratic. You will be graded on the efficientness of the method for each problem.

Finally, the three of you must get back together and create a real world problem that another group can solve using a method we learned above. You will create this real world word problem and write it in your journal. You must also work as a team to create an answer key for the problem. This means that on a separate page in your journal you must state which method of solving you used, show all work and arrive at an answer. Also state which method you believe is the most efficient to use when solving the problem. When all groups have finished creating their problem you will swap problems and solve another groups question for credit.

Phase 1 - Background Information
This site is important for all team members to read before starting the task. It will provide basic information about Quadratics as a whole.

• Introduction to Quadratics

Phase 2 - Roles
These roles were chosen because they each define the most important elements of Quadratics. Each of you has been assigned a particular role with links and instructions below. Here are the general instructions for all of you. Please see your specific instructions and questions below.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Three members from each WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.

Member # 1: Solve the two indicated problems labeled with member number one. Show all work and state method in your part of the journal.

Member # 2: Solve the two indicated problems labeled with member number two. Show all work and state method in your part of the journal.

Member # 3: Solve the two indicated problems labeled with member number three. Show all work and state method in your part of the journal.

All members: when searching the internet for the first part of your task, make sure to provide the URL for each site you reviewed.

Resources:

Use these links to answer the following questions.

Search Engines:

• Google
• Yahoo
  

Math Sites:

•  Cool Math 
•  Mr. Quadratic 
• Quadratic Functions 
• Tricks with Factoring
• Dr. Math
• SOS Math
• Completing the Square
• Solve by Graphing
• Solve by Quadratic Formula
• Find additional sites on your own relating to quadratics or quadratic math help
  

Process:

1.    Go on the Internet and look specifically for content related to quadratics. Each member must find 3 websites  and record what information the site provided for them within their journal. As a team you must find an additional website. In total you will have 10 websites that were good resources for quadratics. This can be hand-written(neatly) or typed as long as it is placed in the journal.

2.    Go to the website below and split up the real world problems amongst the team members:

Quadratic Real World Problems 

You and your teammates will split up the work at this point. Show all of you work in pencil in your journal and state which method you used to solve the quadratic. Remember your goal is to use the most efficient method to solve the quadratic. You will be graded on how efficient the method was for each problem.

3. The three of you must get back together and create a real world problem that another group can solve using a method we learned above. You will create this real world word problem and write it in your journal. You must also work as a team to create an answer key for the problem. This means that on a separate page in your journal you must state which method of solving you used, show all work and arrive at an answer. Also state which method you believe is the most efficient to use when solving the problem.

4. Have the problem approved by the teacher, then swap problems with another team. Your goal is to solve their real world problem using the methods you used as a team. Once you are done, show the teacher and she will give you the answer key so you can self-correct your work.

Evaluation:

You will be graded by the following Rubric on the website. The total possible points is a 50/50.

Rubric  

Content by Zarichb, bzarich@fairfield.k12.ct.us http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/webquadratiza.html Last revised Fri Jun 26 13:34:56 US/Pacific 2009