Conic Sections Project – Algebra III
Here is your task: Make a picture which incorporates conic sections.
That’s it. This is your chance to combine your math skills and creativity to produce something awesome.
The project has very few restrictions, but here are the guidelines you will need to follow:
Use the Desmos calculator to create a picture of your choosing. It must incorporate the 4 conic sections
in a meaningful way. You will want to use domain and range restrictions to get the desired effect. You
may also use graphs of other functions you have learned (or look up new ones to get different shapes).
Color and/or touch-up the final product it in one of these ways: (1) Use inequalities in Desmos to shade
different areas, (2) Print a black-and-white version and color by hand, (3) Copy the image into Paint to
color and edit out any unwanted pieces, or (4) Use a combination of these methods.
Finally, you will create a short (1-3 min) screencast showing two different conic section equations you
used, and explaining why you chose each one and how you altered it to produce the desired result.
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How you will be graded:
This project will be worth a total of 50 points and will count as a test grade. The attached rubric breaks
down the point values into three main categories:
The Art: Print the colored/edited final product and attach it to a piece of cardstock or other heavy-duty
material for display. On Google Classroom, you will submit a link to your finished graph. 20 points.
The Math: Print a “raw” uncolored version of your picture. Color/highlight one of each of the four conic
sections, label each type, and write the corresponding equation you used for each one. 10 points.
Reflection: Record a short screencast (1-3 minutes) which explains the use of at least 2 equations in
your picture. Discuss why you chose the equation and how you changed it to get the desired result, and
describe its role within your overall picture. Submit this and a link to your finished graph on Classrooms.
20 points
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Important: while you are welcome to look up ideas online, ALL work must be original. You may not copy
graphs or equations that you find online. If you need help, you are encouraged to hit “Save” then email
a link to your teacher, explaining the problem you’re trying to figure out.
Helpful organizational things: Try using Folders and Notes in Desmos to organize your equations. This
will help you remember which is which. Also, clicking on a graph will highlight the corresponding
equation and vice versa. If you make a mistake, undo using Ctrl+z.
Conic Sections Project Rubric
Name of Student:____________________________ Period:_____
The Product
The final product features all 4 conic sections prominently
5 4 3 2 1 0
Use of domain/range restrictions
5 4 3 2 1 0
Sophistication of use of conics in your picture
5 4 3 2 1 0
Overall effect (includes bonus for peer grading)
{7} {6} 5 4 3 2 1 0
The Math
An uncolored graph shows the 4 conic sections clearly
5 4 3 2 1 0
Each conic is labeled with the correct name and equation
5 4 3 2 1 0
Reflection
Screencast clearly identifies at least 2 conics necessary to the picture
6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Student discusses the conic sections using appropriate vocabulary
7 5 4 3 2 1 0
(consider transformations, domain/range restrictions)
Student discusses the overall role of the conic in the picture
and explains reasoning/thought process
7 5 4 3 2 1 0