Coordinate Plane Lesson Plan

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Abstract

Make learning how to use the Cartesian Coordinate plane fun by using computer applets. This lesson combines using our computer applets to learn basic coordinate plane manipulation with a fun hands-on activity which transforms any classroom into a three dimensional coordinate plane.

Standards (NCTM 3-5)

Algebra

Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems

• explore numbers less than 0 by extending the number line and through familiar applications

Geometry

Specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems

• describe location and movement using common language and geometric vocabulary
• make and use coordinate systems to specify locations and to describe paths
• find the distance between points along horizontal and vertical lines of a coordinate system.

Student Prerequisites

Technological:

Students must be able to:

• perform basic mouse manipulations such as point, click and drag
• use a browser such as Netscape for experimenting with the activities

Teacher Preparation

Have the class sectioned off into a coordinate plane

Students will need:

• access to a browser.
• graph paper and pencil.

Lesson Outline

1. Focus and Review
Review any pertinent vocabulary and tell the students that today they will learn about the Cartesian Coordinate Plane.


2. Objectives
Students will be able to: identify points on 2 and 3 dimensional carteasian coordinate systems.


3. Teacher Input
• Explain how to locate objects in quadrant 1 of the coordinate plane.
• Show students how to use the Simple Coordinate Game applet.

4. Guided Practice
• Have students work in pairs and complete 5 problems from the Simple Coordinate Game applet.
• To check the students' progress, have them draw out the 5 problems and record their answers beside their drawings.
• Walk around the class, monitor student progress, and answer any student questions.

Teacher Input
• Show students how to play the Simple Maze Game
Guided Practice
• Have students work in pairs and play the Simple Maze Game.
• Walk around the class, monitor student progress, and answer any student questions.
Teacher Input
• Explain how to locate objects in all quadrants of the coordinate plane. You may need to lead a discussion on negative numbers.
Guided Practice
• Have students work in pairs and complete 5 problems from the General Coordinate Game applet.
• Monitor students progress by having having them draw out 5 on graph paper, and record their answers beside their drawings.
• Walk around the class, monitor student progress, and answer any student questions.
Teacher Input
• Show students how to play the Maze Game.
Guided Practice
• Have students work in pairs and play the Maze Game.
• Walk around the class, monitor student progress, and answer any student questions.
Teacher Input
• After the students show an understanding of the x-axis and y-axis, introduce the z-axis.
• Have the classroom marked off in a grid with different letters posted throughout the room.
• Explain to the students that their list of coordinates will spell a mathematicians name.
• Also tell students once they have figured out the identity of their mathematician; they are to investigate their mathematician's importance by using books you supply or doing an internet search.

5. Independent Practice
• Have the students demonstrate their knowledge of the coordinate plane by locating the points they have been assigned which should be scattered throughout the class.
• Have the students complete their research on their mathematician and present to the class why their mathematician was important.

6. Closure
• Review the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.
• Review the concept of negative numbers if this was the first time students were introduced to them.

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