This is a practical sheet with the instructions to draw a set of ellipses. After following the diagrams, there are ten questions to complete, with calculations expected for alternate orbits and comparisons related to actual planets in...

Students identify polygons.  In this polygon people lesson, students draw required shapes and construct a polygon person.  They identify each shape and its characteristics.  The lesson may be extended by allowing students...

In this circles and ellipses worksheet, students solve and complete 12 different types of problems. First, they find the distance between the given pair of points. Then, students find the center and radius of each circle and sketch. They...

In this circles and ellipses worksheet, students solve and complete 5 different types of problems. First, they write each equation in standard form. Then, students graph and label Write the equation of the ellipse whose center is the...

In this conic sections worksheet, learners solve and complete 17 various types of problems. First, they write the conics in standard form and graph. Then, students determine the equation that best represents each description that...

Students study orbits and ellipses and see the differences between orbits and comets.  In this investigative lesson students do an activity that shows them what objects are more like comets and fill out a worksheet. 

In this conic sections learning exercise, students solve and complete 8 different problems identifying various types of conic sections. First, they write each equation given in standard form. Then, students determine whether the graph of...

Students compare and contrast the orbits of Earth and Mars, locate the planet Mars, and diagram its retrograde motion.

Given the major and minor radii of an ellipse, find its foci. Students receive immediate feedback and have the opportunity to try questions repeatedly, watch a video or receive hints.

Find the center and major and minor radius of an ellipse given its equation. Students receive immediate feedback and have the opportunity to try questions repeatedly, watch a video or receive hints.

A lengthy example on how to formulate the equation of an ellipse.

Dr. Math, in a reply to a student question, mentions how you can construct an ellipse using string and thumbtacks.

Basic definitions are given for foci, focus, and other terms related to the focus (foci).

An overview of the four types of conic sections is presented. The origin of how each conic is formed and a table of various characteritics specific to each type of conic is shown.

An overview of the four types of conic sections is presented. The origin of how each conic is formed and a table of various characteritics specific to each type of conic is shown.

An overview of the four types of conic sections is presented. The origin of how each conic is formed and a table of various characteritics specific to each type of conic is shown.

This site from MathWorld is a good site explaining the ellipse that is in-depth and complete with pictures, charts, formulas and examples. A helpful, and informative site on the subject. Links are also provided for additional information.