Topics for one-variable polynomials: GCF, factoring trinomials, special products, and factoring by grouping. I recommend up to 14 days on these topics.

Topics for quadratic functions: Graphs, intercepts, vertex, and completing the square (up to 12 days).

Mention complex numbers as they apply to finding roots.

On the ODE website, search for IMS lessons that address these standards.

ORC resources and the Illuminations website (http://illuminations.nctm.org/) are good resources for teachers when teaching this topic.

Use of graphing calculators would be appropriate here and help students to quickly manipulate the graphs.

As an introduction to the topic, you can use the following formula as an example of a quadratic function: vt – 16t² = 0, where v represents the initial velocity in feet per second and t the time in seconds for a projectile to hit the ground (i.e., arrow in archery, time in the air; kick of a football, time in the air; fireworks, time in the air).

Use other physics formulas to gather data. Use probes and meters, if available, to measure time and distance and plot the data. This topic is a good opportunity to have some cross-curricular work or team teaching with the science department.