Kitchen Paraboloids

Make measurements to determine which of several bowls is closest to paraboloid in shape.

Subject: Algebra
Topics: Quadratic Equations and Functions
Grades: 9 - 12
Concepts:
- Parabola
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can recognize a parabolic shape
- Can determine the equation of a quadratic function that closely matches a set of points

Download Teacher Guide: Kitchen Paraboloids (PDF)
Download Student Activity: Kitchen Paraboloids (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

Looking into TimeLooking into Time

The science of optics teaches us how to make "bigger eyes", and if you want to look at something very far away, or very faint, you're going to need a really huge eye--such as the one used at Kitt Peak by astronomers studying distant galaxies.
Running time 3:29 minutes.

Watch the Movie