Coordinate Plane
Unit Plan Outline
1. Unit Goals
This unit will provide students to opportunity to explore uses of the coordinate plane
system. Students will discover the parts of the coordinate plane (x-axis, y-axis, origin,
quadrants) and learn how to plot points. As students become familiar with the coordinate
plane, they will use their knowledge to graph linear functions and apply transformations to
geometric shapes.
2. State Standards and Learning Objectives
At the completion of this unit, students will be expected to:
 Identify parts of the coordinate plane
 Plot points on the coordinate plane
 Graph linear functions using slope and y-intercept
 Apply transformations to geometric shapes
These objectives will address the following Standards of Learning provided by Virginia’s
Department of Education:
6.11 The student will
a) identify the coordinates of a point in a coordinate plane; and
b) graph ordered pairs in a coordinate plane.
7.8
The student, given a polygon in the coordinate plane, will represent transformations
(reflections, dilations, rotations, and translations) by graphing in the coordinate plane.
8.8
The student will apply transformations to plane figures
8.16 The student will graph a linear equation in two variables.
3. Characteristics of the Students
This unit will be designed for middle school math students participating in pre-algebra.
Students are taught in a collaborative setting which includes a variety of learning levels. A
majority of students will require additional accommodations in order to adhere to their
IEPs.
4. Student’s Present Level of Performance and Knowledge
Prerequisites for this unit include:
 Using a number line to count positive and negative integers.
 Using basic skills to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers.
 Evaluating expressions by substituting values into variables.
 Simplifying expressions using the Order of Operations.
The students will have mastered the above prerequisites earlier in the school year.
5. Classroom Layout and Grouping of Students
Instruction will take place in a traditional classroom setting. The classroom will have desks
arranged in rows facing a projector and SmartBoard. Students will work individually and as
a whole to complete assignments.
6. Introduction
Students will play a game of “Battleship” to introduce how coordinates can represent
specific locations on a grid. The discussion will lead to math’s version of a coordinate
system.
7.
Materials and Media
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Prentice Hall Mathematics: Course 3 Textbook
- This is the school system’s adopted textbook for pre-algebra students. Each
student has access to their own individual copy. It will provide examples and
definitions that students can access when needed. It will also provide
independent practice problems that will reinforce student learning.
Prentice Hall Mathematics: Course 3 Workbook
- This is the school system’s adopted workbook for pre-algebra students. Each
student has access to their own individual copy. It provides access to
independent practice problems that will be assigned as homework for
students.
Coordinate Plane Whiteboards
- These whiteboards will allow students to quickly plot points without the
need to draw their own coordinate grids. Each student desk is equipped with
a whiteboard. The whiteboards will be used during whole group practice and
provides a daily formative assessment.
Dry erase markers
- Each student will be provided a dry erase marker. The markers will be used
to write student responses on the coordinate plane whiteboards.
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SmartBoard
- The classroom will consist of one SmartBoard located in the front of the
classroom. Lessons will be projected onto the board as new topics are
taught. Students will be able to interact with practice problems embedded in
each lesson.
SmartNotebook Software
- The software will be used by the teacher to create interactive lessons on the
coordinate plane.
Projector
- The classroom will be equipped with one computer projector. It will be used
to project images from the document camera, videos from the Internet, and
interactive lessons onto the SmartBoard.
Document Camera
- The document camera will be used to display the “Battleship” game to the
entire class. It can also be used to share student responses written on
whiteboards to the entire class.
BrainPOP Videos
- The school is a current subscriber to BrainPOP. BrainPOP will provide videos
on the coordinate plane. The video will be used as a conclusion for this topic.
Battleship Board Game
- The board game will be used to introduce locating points using coordinates.
One copy of the game is available in the classroom and will be used during a
whole group discussion.
8. Visuals
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1
Description of Visual
Coordinate Grid
displaying the x-axis,
y-axis, and origin
2
Coordinate Grid
outlining the
quadrants
3
Counting coordinates
to graph an ordered
pair
4
Linear equation
showing the yintercept
5
Using rise and run to
calculate the slope of
a linear function
Purpose of Visual
Will demonstrate the
position of the x-axis, yaxis, and origin on the
coordinate plane
Will visually show
students the location of
the four quadrants of the
coordinate plane
Provides a step-by-step
visual of how to plot an
ordered pair from the
origin
Relates the constant of a
linear equation to the
visual of the coordinate
plane
Offers a visual way to
calculate the slope of a
line
Standard
VA SOL 6.11
VA SOL 6.11
VA SOL 6.11
VA SOL 8.16
VA SOL 8.16
6
Translation on a
coordinate grid
7
Reflection on a
coordinate grid
Rotation on a
coordinate grid
Dilation on a
coordinate grid
8
9
9.
Provides a visual example
of how to translate a
figure.
Provides a visual example
of how to reflect a figure.
Provides a visual example
of how to rotate a figure.
Provides a visual example
of how to dilate a figure.
VA SOL 7.8
VA SOL 8.8
VA SOL 7.8
VA SOL 8.8
VA SOL 7.8
VA SOL 8.8
VA SOL 7.8
VA SOL 8.8
Assessment and Evaluation of Learner Understanding
The following assessment will be used to evaluate student learning:
 Formative assessments will take place daily as independent practice on the daily
topic is completed.
 Observations during activities will provide insight to the instructor.
 Responses to questions given during BrainPOP video.
 A quiz will follow each section of the unit to evaluate student learning.
 A summative assessment will be given at end of the unit.
10. Relate
assessment instruments to previously stated standards
and/or learning objectives
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Independent Practice (SOL 6.11, 7.8, 8.8, 8.16)
BrainPOP Responses (SOL 6.11)
Coordinate Plane Quiz (SOL 6.11)
Linear Function Quiz (SOL 8.16)
Transformation Quiz (SOL 7.8, 8.8)
Summative Assessment (SOL 6.11, 7.8, 8.8, 8.16)