Cartesian Coordinates

Cartesian coordinates and planes form part of the Level 6 (Year/Grade 6) curriculum in Australia.

It is often one of those topics that we look at and think

'Hmmmm... I am going to need to look that up!'.

 

Put simply, a Cartesian plane is formed when two number lines cross (dividing the plane into 4 quadrants). You are then able to give coordinates in relatation to a scale (or position) on the x and y axis.

 

Included are a series of tasks designed to build student’s understanding and problem solving when using Cartesian planes and coordinates.

 Depending on student’s prior knowledge, some tasks will require higher levels of student support and scaffolding than others. Once you have introduced students to Cartesian planes and coordinates, you may wish to direct some students to particular tasks, independent students may self-select tasks they are interested in.

Included in this pack:

q  Using Coordinates     (a scaffold to introduce students to using coordinates, or for  students who may struggle with negative numbers)

q  Blank ‘Using Coordinates’ grid

q  Cartesian Coordinate System (AusVELS definition – enlarge to A3 and display)

q  Cartesian Planes & Coordinates (an introduction)

q  Cartesian Initials

q  Cartesian Battleships

q  Cartesian Designs

q  Blank Cartesian planes (2x sizes)

Extension activities (using blank Cartesian planes):

ü  Make a ‘dot to dot’ picture – giving only the coordinates to draw the picture

ü  Make a map, give the coordinates of the path to follow to find the hidden treasure

Let us know if you have other great ideas/activities for exlporing Cartesian planes and coordinates!