Blogging: A Way of Educating People

             Technology have made life easy for us to live with. Computers, laptops, cellphones and other gadgets are now the new trends in the world. Until now, inventions and new discoveries are still everywhere making our lives more comfortable and exciting, waiting to be invented and discovered by many researchers. The use of technology is not new to us. We already have the knowledge on manipulating these things and even can create products that are useful to mankind. Even a little kid knows how to use computers and others. How much more to an adult like us? Of course, with the exposure to current trends right now, we already have adapted technology as one alternative that is very useful. Technology introduced us to different applications and programs that are easy to use. That even at home, we can still have an access to it and actually can help others in all aspects like doing research, answering assignments and communicating with others. For instance, we already have sites like Facebook, Twitter and the like, that actually build our communication skills and our way of socializing with other people. These sites actually help us to be keep in-touch with other people.
              One good example of the usefulness of technology in our lives is that it is another means of learning. You might think that technology such as computers, laptops and gadgets are just for luxury and fun. Actually, we never notice how helpful it is to support and guide us in learning. Blogging is one best example of this. With the use of blogging, you actually render your service to the people who needs guidance and support on their studies. Blog sites are available everywhere which give information and knowledge that are educational. By simply looking for a good site, your difficulty on a subject matter will be lessen since you can have an access of it any time, anywhere. In making researches and assignments or even for past times, blog sites can be your buddy to answer these things.
              Blogging is not only for play time and such, it is doing all the alternative way to help others. When you really want to be a part of a person's success, you can create educational sites which will provide knowledge to other people. It is not necessarily that you know your audience very well but the fact that you have given your best to impart knowledge to others is a great achievement. An achievement that only you can feel it.

Quiz on Plotting of Points on the Graph

Instruction: Answer the following exercises based on how you understand the lesson. For Test I and Test II, leave a comment as soon as you read the items. For Test III, take a photo of your output and send it to this e-mail: abellanoviejoy@gmail.com

Test I. Identify the coordinates of the points plotted on the graph.

 Test II. Determine the quadrant where each set of points on the graph belong.

Test III. Graph the following points on a graphing paper.
             1. (4,-1)
             2. (5,4)
             3. (-6,-2)
             4. (-1,7)
             5. (3,0)

Goodluck and God bless! :)

The Content of the Lesson Plan

          The lesson plan that I have chosen give us an idea on how to plot points on a graph and how to name it. By using a graphing paper, we could actually experience how to plot points with our own hands. Also, we could name them by simply looking at the coordinates they belong. Before that, we should know first the parts of a graph.

           On a graph, there are two intersecting lines which are the x- and the y-axis. (See figure on the left)

The x-axis is the horizontal line and the y-axis is the vertical line. The center of the graph is called the origin.The two points on a graph are called coordinates. The first coordinate that lies on the horizontal line is the x-coordinate or called as abscissa and the second coordinate that lies on the vertical line is the y-coordinate or the ordinate. They can be written as (x,y) where x is the abscissa and the y is the ordinate.

        In plotting points on the graph,start from the origin in counting the distance of each points. For example, at the origin, we will count two times to the right and one count up then put a dot on the point where you stop. By this method, you have already plotted the points on a graph. In naming points on a graph, just simply state the points of your coordinates. Since your counting stops at 2 counts to the right and 1 count up, the coordinates will be at point (2,1). Since, the point 2 lies on the x-axis or horizontal line, 2 will be the abscissa while point 1 will be the ordinate. Just arrange the points so that the it will be written into the form (x,y). (See illustration on the left)

       

        There are also four quadrants on a graph. (See figure on the right) We can actually locate immediately where a point lies by just looking at their signs. On the first quadrant, remember that the signs of the coordinates are both positive. On the second quadrant, the x-coordinate(abscissa) is negative and the y-coordinate(ordinate) is positive. On the third quadrant, both coordinates are negative. On the fourth quadrant, the x-coordinate(abscissa) is positive and the y-coordinate(ordinate) is negative. For example, the coordinates (2,4) is both positive, since they are both positive, therefore, point (2,4) is on the first quadrant.

        If you want to know the figure that can be formed after you plot the points, just connect the dots with a line and you can figure it out already.

Lesson Plan in Mathematics

Plotting points on a graph

Age Range: Grade 6 through Grade 8 (Middle School)
Overview and Purpose:
           The students will use graph paper to plot points on a graph. When the points are connected they will make a familiar shape, number, or letter. They will practice reading coordinates to each other, as well as, practice plotting them. The activity is meant to be fun and light, not competitive or stressful.
Objective:
            At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
                 a. Name points on a graph.
                 b. Plot points on a graph.
Resources:
            Four pieces of graph paper per student
            Overhead projector
            Two graphs copied on transparencies
Activities:
1. Have the students draw their graphs using as many quadrants as you are studying.
2. Have them place at least 10 ticks on each axis (more if you are using three or four quadrants).
3. Have them label the x-axis ticks with numbers and the y-axis ticks with letters.
4. Let students practice plotting the coordinates that you call out. Use coordinates that will make a shape, letter, or number when they are connected.
5. After the students have had an opportunity to plot a coordinate, mark it on the overhead transparency so they can check their work. When all the coordinates have been plotted, show the students how to connect the dots to make the picture.
6. Repeat the exercise, but leave the overhead light off so the students cannot check their work. Turn the light on when the picture is complete so they can see how accurate their plotting was.
7. Give the students time to plot their own coordinates on one of the remaining graphs. Remind them that when they are finished the connected lines should make a familiar shape, letter, or number.
8. When the students have finished, pair them up and have them sit back to back. Explain that one of them should read their coordinates and the other student should plot them on a graph. When all the points have been plotted the student should try to guess what the picture is. They should then switch roles.
9. After the exercise, come back together as a group and discuss common mistakes, answer questions, and look at the pictures each group drew.

Closure:
          This exercise might prove to be difficult for some students. Remind the class to be patient and to repeat coordinates if necessary. The idea of the exercise is to have fun and practice, not try to stump each other.

Source:  http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/math/68plottingpts.html