Getting to Know the Cartesian Plane

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

6

Overview

In this learning activity from Geogebra, students will learn how to identify the parts of the Cartesian plane and how to determine the signs of the coordinates of points on it. Then the students will use an applet to test their understanding of the rules governing the signs of the coordinates of points on the Cartesian plane.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 6

MA19.6.11
Find the position of pairs of integers and other rational numbers on the coordinate plane.

Vocabulary

Coordinate plane
Quadrants
Coordinate values
ordered pairs
x axis
y axis
Reflection

Knowledge

Students know:

Strategies for creating coordinate graphs.
Strategies for finding vertical and horizontal distance on coordinate graphs.

Skills

Students are able to:

Graph points corresponding to ordered pairs,
Represent real-world and mathematical problems on a coordinate plane.
Interpret coordinate values of points in the context of real-world/mathematical situations.
Determine lengths of line segments on a coordinate plane when the line segment joins points with the same first coordinate (vertical distance) or the same second coordinate (horizontal distance).

Understanding

Students understand that:

A graph can be used to illustrate mathematical situations and relationships. These representations help in conceptualizing ideas and in solving problems,
Distances on lines parallel to the axes on a coordinate plane are the same as the related distance on the axis (number line).

Learning Objectives

The students will be able to identify quadrant locations of ordered pairs on the coordinate plane based on the signs of the x and y coordinates.

Activity Details

When teaching the lesson whole group:

1. Access the Geogebra lesson Getting to Know the Cartesian Plane with students.

2. Take time to walk students through the vocabulary in the lesson: x-axis, y-axis, ordered pair, coordinates, origin, and quadrants.

3. Use the first applet to demonstrate the four quadrants to the students by clicking the checkbox for each quadrant. When you click the checkbox, the corresponding quadrant will change colors.

4. Answer the questions below the applet together: What property do all the points (x, y) in the first quadrant have in common? the second quadrant? the third quadrant? the fourth quadrant? Hint: It has something to do with the signs of the coordinates.

5. In the second applet, test the students' understanding of the rules governing the signs of the coordinates of points by answering the questions. This can be done by having the students hold up one finger for Q1, two fingers for Q2, three fingers for Q3, four fingers for Q4, make an X for the x-axis, make a Y for the y-axis and make a B for both x and y-axis. (or whatever hand signals the teacher decides to use).

Assessment Strategies

The students will be assessed using the applet from the lesson in the learning activity. The applet will test the students' understanding of the rules governing the signs of the coordinates of points on the Cartesian plane. (When teachers are signed into their account, student results will be visible.)

Variation Tips

This learning activity can be used as a whole group activity, partner activity, or assigned as an individual activity. If assigned individually, or as a partner activity, teachers will want to create a free account and share the lesson with students.

Background / Preparation

Geogebra is free for teachers.

To access all resources, teachers need to create a free account. Creating a free account will allow teachers to be able to assign interactive & engaging tasks to students. Teachers will be able to view live updated progress of students working on a specific task and view which tasks students have (or have not) started. Teachers will be able to ask the entire class questions and see all students' answers instantly.

Teachers who are not familiar with Geogebra can find a complete tutorial for Geogebra Classroom here.

https://www.geogebra.org/m/wwt25asw

Approved Date

2022-06-29

Owner (Author)

mgsaboyd

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