Solving Quadratic Equations Using Quadratic Formula

Quadratic formula is one of the most important formulas in Algebra I. This graphic organizer helps students understand how to find the answer and which part of the formula must be calculated first. When students calculate the discriminant (the expression under the square root symbol), they will be able to determine if the equation has two solutions, one solution, or no solution.
1. When the value of the discriminant is positive, the equation has two solutions.
2. When the value of the discriminant is zero, the equation has one solution.
3. When the discriminant is negative, the equation has no solution.

Working With Shelton Bridge

I took a picture of the Shelton Bridge. The base of the bridge has similar triangles and can be used in the classroom to teach very important geometry concepts such as symmetry, right triangles etc.

1. I cut the picture of the bridge in half and saved one layer as a right side.
2. I saved the other half of the bridge as a left side.
3. I rotated the right 180 degrees and put it on top of the left side.
4. The line between the two layers is the line of the symmetry.

Comments to Sara Dexter’s Article

I agree with the author’s ideas in this article. Using technology in the classroom is crucial to enhance student learning. To learn a new concept, students must be introduced to the new concept in multiple ways. Using traditional teaching methods in combination with using technology help students learn and visualize new concepts faster. Students can have a very important role in their learning when they are engaged on collecting information using digital cameras and other electronic devises that can be used in the classroom for this purpose. This is an opportunity for teachers to engage students in their learning process and get feedback how well students are doing.
I certainly like the idea of teachers working together based on the department and grade level. It takes more than one person to bring up new ideas to teaching in the classroom using technology. It is very hard for a teacher to be successful when work alone. In this situation sharing and working together makes all the difference. Another idea of the author is that teachers should have technical support in their schools. Many teachers have basic knowledge how to put a lesson into a power point presentation. But when it comes to working with websites, teachers need support and even constant training. The Internet makes it easy to communicate and share information. To use this powerful tool, teachers must be trained to keep up with changes and updates.