Subject: Pre-Calculus

Grade Level: Grade 11

Objective:

- Define an ellipse

- Determine the standard form of the equation of an ellipse

- Graph an ellipse in a rectangular coordinate system

Learning across the curriculum:

1. Physics: Discuss the motion of planets in elliptical orbits

2. Art: Create artwork using ellipses as the main design element

3. History: Explore the use of ellipses in architecture during different historical

periods

Engage:

1. Show a picture of an ellipse and ask students to describe its shape and
characteristics.

2. Share an interesting fact about ellipses, such as their use in satellite

communication.

3. Play a short video clip showing real-life examples of ellipses, such as the orbits of
planets or the shape of an egg.

Explore:

Activity 1: Discovering Ellipses

Materials:
- String

- Two thumbtacks

- Graph paper

- Pencil

Instructions:

1. Attach one end of the string to a thumbtack and the other end to a pencil.

2. Place the thumbtack on a point on the graph paper and stretch the string taut.

3. Use the pencil to trace the shape created by moving the pencil while keeping the
string taut.

4. Repeat the process with different lengths of string and observe the resulting
shapes.

Rubric:

- Accuracy of tracing: 4 points

- Labeling of axes and points: 3 points

Assessment questions:

1. What shape did you observe when the lengths of the string were equal?

2. How would you describe the shape of the traced figure when the lengths of the
string were different?

Activity 2: Standard Form of Equation

Materials:

- Whiteboard or blackboard

- Markers or chalk

Instructions:
1. Present the standard form of the equation of an ellipse: (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 =
1.

2. Explain the meaning of each term in the equation and provide examples.

Rubric:

- Accuracy of explanations: 5 points

- Correct identification of terms in provided examples: 3 points

Assessment questions:

1. What does the term (h, k) represent in the standard form equation of an ellipse?

2. How would you modify the equation to graph an ellipse centered at the origin?

Activity 3: Graphing Ellipses

Materials:

- Graphing calculator or computer software

Instructions:

1. Demonstrate how to graph an ellipse using a graphing calculator or computer

software.

2. Provide a set of equations for students to graph and label on their own.

Rubric:

- Accuracy of graphing and labeling: 4 points

- Correct identification of major and minor axes: 3 points

Assessment questions:

1. How can you determine the major and minor axes of an ellipse from its equation?

2. What is the significance of the values a and b in the standard form equation of an
ellipse?
Explain:

1. Teach the concept of an ellipse using interactive presentations, such as

PowerPoint or online simulations.

2. Engage students in a discussion about real-life applications of ellipses, such as

satellite orbits or architectural designs.

Elaborate:

1. Have students work in pairs to create their own equations of ellipses and
exchange them with another pair for graphing and analysis.

2. Conduct a gallery walk activity where students showcase their artwork featuring
ellipses and explain the mathematical concepts behind their designs.

Evaluate:

1. Give a written test that includes problems on defining an ellipse, determining the
standard form equation, and graphing ellipses.

2. Assign a project where students research and present on a real-world application

of ellipses, explaining how the mathematical concepts are applied.

Assignment:

Using graphing software or a graphing calculator, graph the following ellipses

and determine their standard form equations:

1. (x+2)^2/4 + (y-3)^2/9 = 1

2. (x-1)^2/16 + (y+2)^2/25 = 1

Note: This is a detailed breakdown of a 5Es lesson plan for teaching the
concept of ellipses in Pre-Calculus. The activities are interactive and engaging,
allowing students to explore, explain, and elaborate on the topic. The
evaluation methods include both formative and summative assessments to
ensure a comprehensive understanding of the learning objectives.