https://github.com/itprodirect/maddie-algebra-tutorials
Beginner-friendly Jupyter notebooks using real-world stories (like soccer balls!) to teach parabolas and quadratic equations.
https://github.com/itprodirect/maddie-algebra-tutorials
algebra beginner education jupyter-notebook math math-tutorial parabolas quadratic-equations stem
Last synced: 11 months ago
JSON representation
Beginner-friendly Jupyter notebooks using real-world stories (like soccer balls!) to teach parabolas and quadratic equations.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/itprodirect/maddie-algebra-tutorials
- Owner: itprodirect
- License: mit
- Created: 2025-04-10T22:39:55.000Z (about 1 year ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2025-04-12T14:54:35.000Z (about 1 year ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-06-02T06:28:23.095Z (about 1 year ago)
- Topics: algebra, beginner, education, jupyter-notebook, math, math-tutorial, parabolas, quadratic-equations, stem
- Language: HTML
- Homepage: https://www.itprodirect.com
- Size: 18.5 MB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# 📚 Maddie's Algebra Tutorials: The Parabola Project
Welcome to **Maddie's Algebra Tutorials**, a fun and beginner-friendly set of Jupyter notebooks designed to help students understand **quadratic equations** and **parabolas** through real-world examples and engaging visuals.
This project was built with Maddie (a 14-year-old student) in mind, using ELI5-style explanations, storytelling, and colorful annotations to make algebra accessible and memorable.
---
## 🌟 What You'll Learn
These tutorials focus on core concepts behind **quadratic equations**, including:
- Understanding the **standard form** of a quadratic equation
- Visualizing and interpreting **parabolas**
- Finding the **vertex**, **maximum height**, and **zeroes** of a function
- Applying math to real-life situations like rockets, sports, and adventure scenes
Each notebook uses a step-by-step format with plain-language breakdowns, real-world context, and colorful charts to reinforce concepts visually.
---
## 🔹 Notebook Index
Here are the core lessons currently available in the project:
### 🌈 0. [Intro to Parabolas](notebooks/Intro-parabolas.ipynb)
An illustrated, beginner-friendly guide to what parabolas are, how they relate to quadratic equations, and why they matter.
### ⚽ 1. [Soccer Ball Kick](notebooks/01-soccer-ball.ipynb)
Maddie kicks a soccer ball into the air. Learn how to model the ball's flight path with a quadratic function, and find out when it hits the ground!
### 🎆 2. [Firework Rocket](notebooks/02-firework-rocket.ipynb)
Follow a firework launched from a hill as it rises, explodes at the top, and splashes down into a lake. Analyze height over time using a classic projectile formula.
### 🏐 3. [Volleyball Serve](notebooks/03-volleyball.ipynb)
A volleyball is served high over the net! Use a parabola to determine if it clears the net and when it lands.
### 🏔️ 4. [Jason's Cliff Jump](notebooks/04-jason-cliff-jump.ipynb)
Jason jumps off a cliff into water below. Explore how parabolas can model his jump and predict how long it takes to splash down.
Each notebook includes:
- 🔗 A link to printable PDF versions (in `/pdfs/`) and HTML versions (in `/htmls/`)
- 📗 Friendly explanations, emojis, and real-world context
- 📈 Visual plots with labeled key points (peak, splashdown, etc.)
---
## 🎓 For Students & Teachers
This project is perfect for:
- 👩🎓 Students learning parabolas for the first time
- 🏫 Homeschool or self-paced learning
- 🏫 Teachers looking for creative algebra lesson material
---
## 🚀 Getting Started
To use these notebooks:
1. Clone the repo or download the files
2. Launch Jupyter Notebook
3. Open any file in the `notebooks/` folder
PDF versions for printing are available in the `/pdfs/` directory.
HTML versions for browser viewing are now located in the `/htmls/` directory.
---
## 🌟 Credits
Created by [@itprodirect](https://github.com/itprodirect) to help students explore the magic of parabolas ✨