Quadratic Analysis Project

The Assignment: In groups of 1-3, you will collect data about some type of real life
quadratic model. Valid examples include throwing a ball, a ski jump, or flying a paper
airplane. Your data should be collected in either height (y) vs. time (x) or height (y) vs.
distance travelled (x) format (or both). After collecting your data, using the skills you
have learned this quarter about quadratics, you will calculate the quadratic equation in
vertex form that describes your real life activity. You will then analyze the equation to
find the vertex, x-intercept, and any other characteristics unique to your data.

The Proposal: You will start by submitting a proposal to Mr. Duggan about what
quadratic situation you will analyze. You must explain how you will collect the data (take
a video, research online, etc…). The crucial part will be explaining how you will
accurately find the height, time, and distance travelled. I do not have the answer to how
you will do this. I am challenging your creativity and problem solving skills to create your
system for your model. Once Mr. Duggan approves your proposal, you will follow
through on your proposal and collect your data.

The Data Collection: This part is up to you. It would be ideal if the situation you
analyze is on video. For example, taking a video of someone shooting a basketball.
How will your camera measure time? How will you measure height and distance
travelled? You are all savvy with your phones/computers in different ways so I’m
challenging you to devise your system to be most efficient for the situation you are
trying to model. 100% accuracy is not necessarily the goal, but finding a way to estimate
your data with relative accuracy is important.

The Presentation: You can make your final presentation however you feel will be most
effective. It could be a powerpoint, movie, poster, written analysis, etc. It’s up to you. Be
creative and determine the best way for you to present your findings to someone who
hasn’t learn about quadratics recently. Explain your processes and your findings. Use
the rubric as a guideline.

The Rubric:
Phase Description Points Self Teacher
Possibl Assessed Assessed
e Points Points
Earned Earned

Proposal A valid quadratic situation is .1

proposed/researched

Proposal A step by step process of how to .2

collect the data is proposed

Proposal Verbal descriptions of how to .2

analyze the data and create a final
presentation are provided

Proposal A valid hypothesis of what your .1

data will reveal is proposed

Data Data is collected with relative .2

Collection accuracy in height vs. time or
height vs. distance travelled format
(both for bonus)

Data The data is put into an appropriate .2

Collection table of values
(x/y chart)

Presentation Accurate calculation and verbal .3

interpretation of the vertex

Presentation Accurate calculation and verbal .3

interpretation of the x-intercept

Presentation Accurate labelled graph of your .3

model

Presentation Accurate calculation of vertex form .3

of your model

Presentation Accurately convert vertex form to .3

standard form

Presentation Overall creativity and organization .5

Final Grade Add up points from each row 3

above