Basics of Quadratic Functions Project Idea

Up until recently, my Algebra I students had faced an uninterrupted string of quizzes each Friday--something like five weeks in a row. I usually mix things up a little more than that, so this project was a long time coming.

This is a poster project that covers the some of the basic vocabulary of quadratic functions:

• vertex
• axis of symmetry
• minimum and maximum
• domain and range

Students make 2 graphs of 2 quadratic functions, one that opens upward and one downward. They label the parts, then explain the significance of "a" in ax²+bx+c and how to find the axis of symmetry and vertex using the function.

Last year, I did a similar poster project about parent functions that you could also use. If you're wondering about transformations of quadratic functions, I covered that this week and am continuing that this week. That topic might also be well suited to a poster project as well!

Download Basics of Quadratics Poster Project

These posters can be any size, but are designed to be simple and scalable. If you like this idea, it's a remix of Idea #1 from my book Ten Cheap Lessons: Easy, Engaging Ideas for Every Secondary Classroom. There's more great inspiration inside!