Process
1. First get a general background of the Quadratic Formula by watching and taking notes on the following web sites and resources....
http://www.csm.astate.edu/algebra/qform.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s80J2dAUUyI
http://www.yourteacher.com/algebra1/quadraticformula.php
2. With your partner, complete the worksheet found below:
http://www.algebrahelp.com/worksheets/view/equation/quadratic.quiz
Your work will be collected, so be sure to write every step down.
3. Now decide for yourself what parts of the Quadratic Formula are important to teach. Make a list of concepts, facts, principles and procedures that are important to know about the Quadratic Formula for the aliens.
4. Decide how you will tailor the lesson for the aliens. How will you deal with the limitations of their vocabulary and previous experience? Why would they want to learn the Quadratic Formula? Make sure these are included in your lesson.
Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Provide a glossary
- Make a game of learning unfamiliar words.
- Come up with a metaphor that relates the new information to something they might be familiar with.
- Think about ways to make the Quadratic Formula more interesting by singing songs or acting out a skit.
http://www.calculus-help.com/funstuff/calculussongs.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE0jbYVpekE
http://plus.maths.org/issue29/features/quadratic/index.html
http://plus.maths.org/issue30/features/quadratic/index
5. Write out your proposed lesson. Be sure to include a way to
introduce it, a part in which new information is provided, a time in
which the aliens practice what they've learned and get feedback, and an
opportunity to tie it all together. Be sure to include lots of
interaction between you and the aliens.
6. Create the final product and practice your lesson with other members of your class before teaching it to the aliens from Nomathus.