Graph transformations with desmos
Desmos is an online graphing calculator tool. In this activity, students utilize Desmos to notice the ways in which they can manipulate a quadratic function. Students will type in the given equations on the worksheet into the Desmos calculator. This tool is useful for visualization because the parent function and transformation appear in different colors. Students are also given the opportunity to click and drag "sliders" left and right to substitute different quantities for each of the variables in a quadratic function and note how they affect the graph (shown above). Physically having students do the transformations and describe them allows them to grasp concepts more concretely. Desmos is also a unique tool because it contains games students can engage in that cover hundreds of different mathematics topics. These activities are a wonderful way for students to practice skills, and useful for teachers to track student progress and individualize instruction. Students also genuinely enjoy and appreciate using technology and learning through play... it is a much needed break from the traditional classroom lecture!