Exploring Conic Sections from Paper Folding
to TI-NSpireŠ Handheld Tools
Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the definition
of parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas by paper folding; discover that what
looks like each conic section is really the "envelope" of tangent lines;
find where the loci of points actually are; mimic the same actions on the
TI-NSpire; and compare and contrast the ellipse with the hyperbola.
The
links to all of the word files used in the presentations are included below. If you have trouble opening them, email
me.
Art Mabbott
Secondary Mathematics Coach
Seattle Public Schools
T3 Regional Instructor