Water Fountain Project

Materials:

Paper, Pen, String, Meter Stick

Directions:

With your group, go to your assigned water fountain. Using the right side of the frame as your y-axis and the bottom of the wall as your x-axis, find an equation of the parabolic curve formed by the water while the fountain is on. Take a picture of the fountain from a distance and a close-up with the fountain turned on. Make all measurements in inches.

Rules:

You must be QUIET while making your measurements. DO NOT disrupt any classes in the area where you are. Return to class after taking the measurements. You will compute the equation of the parabola when you return.

Final Product – due on Wednesday, November 16th :

Each group must submit a 8.5” x 11” or 12”x12” poster that contains the following:

·  A GREAT title

·  A picture of the fountain from a distance

·  A picture of the fountain turned on (showing the parabolic curve) – label the vertex and one other point

·  The equation of the parabola in standard vertex form

·  A screen shot of the parabola equation from the graphing calculator

·  A combined shot of the parabola superimposed over the water fountain

·  Projects may be mounted onto construction or decorative paper

Make the posters creative, unique and exciting to look at. They will be graded on creativity and accuracy. On the back of the poster, list the names of everyone in the group and the location of the water fountain.

Water Fountain Locations

#1 – Outside main office

#2 – Outside A111

#3 – Outside B101

#4 – Outside Men’s PE office

#5 – Outside C112

#6 – Outside C208

#7 –Outside D204 (free standing)

#8 – Outside D200 (free standing)

#9 – Outside D204 (free standing)

#10 – Outside to D100 (free standing)

#11 – Outside Girls Locker Room

#12 – Opposite D112 (free standing)

Parabolas are everywhere!

(Give it a title!)

Show picture of fountain from a distance. Show a picture of fountain with water flowing.

Label points you used.

State equation of parabola. Superimpose the parabola onto the water

y = - .318 (x + 9.313)2 + 25.188 fountain:

Show screen shot of parabola from calculator

Back of poster:

Names of people in group and description of what they did

Water fountain number and location