Graphing Quadratics: An inquiry based lesson to support ELL Honors students in Middle School Algebra

Abstract

Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) is a method of teaching by posing questions, problems and scenarios to help students learn through their own agency and investigation rather than direct instruction from the teacher. Many students today lack the ability to build arguments, defend their reasoning, and justify their thinking. Since the adoption of the Common Core State Standards there has been a push for students to have a deeper understanding of the mathematical concepts they are being taught. One key factor of mathematical understanding is the ability to justify why a particular mathematical statement is true or where a mathematical rule comes from. IBL allows students to gain a better understanding of a topic because they have a chance to explore a topic more deeply and make their own connections about what they are learning. This Curriculum Project incorporates a unit of lessons created to teach graphing quadratic functions using IBL. The unit plan aligns to the NYS Common Core State Standards for students in an Algebra I classroom.