Polynomials GEOGEBRA Lab:

Today you are going to design a roller coaster using polynomial functions. Follow the steps shown below one by one. DO NOT SKIP STEPS. Your project will be graded according to the rubric:

Skill / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
Design the roller coaster using GEOGEBRA / -I am able to follow the written steps with ease and print out the graph with explanations
-I chose a design that provides a good speed for the marble while offering a lengthy and safe ride / -I am able to follow the written steps and print out the graph with explanations
-I chose a design that provides a fair speed for the marble while offering a lengthy and safe ride / -I am somehow able to follow the written steps and print out the graph with explanations
-I chose a design that provides a fair speed for the marble while offering a somewhat lengthy and safe ride / -I am able to follow the written steps only with a lot of assistance and print out the graph
-I chose a design that provides a somewhat a safe and OK ride for the marble / -I am not able to follow the written steps, nor print out the graph with explanations
-I chose a design that provides a dangerous ride for the marble
Create a roller coaster from the model chosen using foam pipes / -My marble traveled successfully without dangerous events
-My design is eye-appealing
-My foam design respects the blueprint I created / -My marble traveled successfully with minimal to little danger
-My design is eye-appealing
-My foam design respects the blueprint I created most of the time / -My marble traveled successfully with only few dangerous events
-My design is somewhat eye-appealing
-My foam design respects the blueprint I created most of the time / -My marble traveled successfully with a 50% chance of getting off rail
-My design is somewhat eye-appealing
-My foam design respects the blueprint I created only in few areas / -My marble did not traveled successfully without dangerous events
-My design is not eye-appealing
-My foam design does not respect the blueprint I created

Instructions:

  1. Open the Geogebra program from the “Students Menu”
  2. Click the “slider” option from the top menu
  1. After selecting the slider, click anywhere on the graph (top right preferred).
  3. For the variable a, leave the values -5 and 5, then click “apply”.
  4. You should see a slider on the graph.
  5. Click on the screen under the previous slider again 5 more times until you see a total of 6 sliders, from a to f.
  6. Click with the mouse inside the “INPUT” bar found on the very bottom of the page, then type in the following function: a(x-b)(x-c)(x-d)(x-e)(x-f), then click “enter”. You should see a function popping up on the screen
  7. Play with the slides a little bit by dragging them left and right and observing how your function shape changes.
  8. Now it’s the time when you and your partner will decide based on the values of a,b,c,d,e and f which polynomial would best fit your roller coaster.
  9. When you decide which values are appropriate, drag the function from the left-side of the screen to the coordinate screen, such way that your function equation pops up on the same graph.
  10. Also add your name and your partner name on the screen under the function using the TEXT box from the top menu.
  11. Change the color/thickness of your graph by right-click on the curve and going into the “object properties” menu. Personalize your name and make the text bigger (go to OPTIONS and select FONT SIZE at your choice).
  12. When you are happy with the results, click on FILE, choose EXPORT, click on GRAPHICS VIEW AS PICTURE. In the box that opens change the format in PDF, then save it with your name somewhere in your documents, then upload it to your school google drive. Also save the document as GeoGebra file (.ggb) and upload it to your google drive. YOU should have saved TWO different files by now: the .ggb file and the .pdf file both on your school google drive.
  13. When you are ready to print, you can either print the file from the Computer Station #2, or share it with so I can print it for you. Print only the PDF version.
  14. As soon as you have the printed version in your hand, let the teacher know so you can be guided to the next step.
  15. FINAL STAGE: you can start now to follow the blue print and design your roller coaster using foam pipes. You can only use foam pipes and tape.
  16. When the design is done, do a drive test with a marble. If you are unhappy with the results, you will need to go back on the computer to adjust the design from the blue print to fit your desired result. Print your final function again and tape your final printed function on the wall, next to your design.
  17. You are now ready to be a judge for the other roller coasters. If the other teams are still working, go to the computer station and continue the Khan Academy work from the next unit.
  18. When you judge the other teams, please refer to the rubric provided on this paper.