Beacon Lesson Plan Library
Follow That Graph
Debbie Lloyd
Washington County Schools
Description
Help your students to follow that graph with ease. In this lesson, students investigate, analyze, and discuss the effects of parameter changes on a trigonometric function using a graphing calculator.
Standards
Florida Sunshine State Standards
MA.D.1.4.1
Describes, analyzes and generalizes relationships, patterns, and functions using words, symbols, variables, tables and graphs.
MA.D.1.4.2
Determines the impacts when changing parameters of given functions.
Florida Process Standards
Effective Communicators
02 Florida students communicate in English and other languages using information, concepts, prose, symbols, reports, audio and video recordings, speeches, graphic displays, and computer-based programs.
Critical and Creative Thinkers
04 Florida students use creative thinking skills to generate new ideas, make the best decision, recognize and solve problems through reasoning, interpret symbolic data, and develop efficient techniques for lifelong learning.
Materials
-Graphing Calculator (one for each student) or computers with graphing calculator program or access to the Internet to use the online calculator (see Web Links)
-If using a computer graphing calculator software program, a presentation device for whole class projection
-Overhead calculator and overhead projector
-Paper and colored pencils
-CD player
-Tape with song "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" by Jimmy Buffet
-Copies of the classwork worksheet (see Attached Files), one for each student
-Copies of the homework worksheet (see Attached Files), one for each student
-One copy of the demonstration sheet for the teacher (see Attached Files)
Preparations
1. Duplicate each student a copy of the worksheets (see Attached Files).
2. Set up the music player and the music or tape.
3. Acquire a graphing calculator for each student.
4. Set up the overhead projector and the overhead graphing calculator.
5. If using computer graphing calculator software, each computer should have the software already loaded and working properly.
6. If using the online calculator (see Web Links) be sure all computers are able to access the Internet and the site has been bookmarked.
7. If using the computer be sure to have your presentation system set up and working properly.
8. Print out the teacher demonstration sheet (see Attached Files) to use during class discussion.
Procedures
1. As students enter the class, have the song, "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude" by Jimmy Buffet, playing on the CD player or tape player.
2. Explain to the students that today, they are going to be investigating the graphs of the six trigonometric functions and will be discovering how changes in the equation of the basic function (i.e. y = sin x, y = cos x, y = tan x, y = sec x, etc.) affect the graph of the function.
3. Demonstrate how to use the overhead graphing calculator or computer graphing calculator by working with equations the student is familiar with (i.e. y = x2, y = (x + 2) 2, y = 3x2, y = -x2, etc. See the attached file). Be sure to use proper vocabulary: vertical shift, horizontal shift, etc.
4. Give each student a copy of the worksheet (see Attached Files). Instruct them to substitute at least three different values for each variable. Graph each different equation and sketch the graph of each using a different colored pencil. After graphing each function, they should make a conjecture as to the effect changes in this parameter make to the basic equation.
5. Have students check their conjectures with each other. After students have completed the discovery portion of the lesson, go over the effects of each parameter change and introduce the proper vocabulary (i.e. vertical shift, amplitude, phase shift, period, etc.).
6. Have students complete the homework worksheet (see Attached Files).
Assessments
Students determine the effects of various parameter changes on a given trigonometric function, graph the function and use their knowledge to describe, analyze and generalize a function from it's graph. Students will complete the homework worksheet (see Attached Files). The teacher will check the worksheet for accuracy.
Web Links
Download a windows version of a graphing calculator. Online graphing calculatorWeb supplement for Follow That Graph Download a windows version of a graphing calculator
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