Introduction to Quadratics!- with Application

I don't typically begin teaching a new concept with an application, but this problem offers so many layers that it works really well.

Students split up into groups or pairs and determine the area of various rectangular houses based on a set perimeter and a given width. Already this requires some strategy and problem solving.

Then as a class, they collect and organize their data in a graph and a table. You can then use the graph to introduce new vocabulary (parabola, vertex, axis of symmetry, etc.) You can use the table to demonstrate the "Second Difference" that only a quadratic function can demonstrate.

***The notebook file has a LOT of hidden gems to make it interactive and easy to access. BE SURE TO VIEW IN FULL MODE TO SEE IT ALL! There are several "pull" tabs, student questions, and other extra notes hidden that might not be visible otherwise.