Parabolas can be seen everywhere and are a key design in architecture.

Ask students, In what other types of bridge would they see parabolas. Suspension bridge, the under arch.

In many sports projectile motion can be seen. Soccer kicks have a parabolic shape once the ball leaves the ground.

Any shot in basketball forms a parabola in the air. For an added activity have students try this.
https://teacher.desmos.com/activitybuilder/custom/56e0b6af0133822106a0bed1

Knowing about parabolas and their characteristic can help you hit targets at various spots. We will learn how to do this in our unit on Parabolas. Get ready to create your own catapult.