Using GSP as a Demonstration Tool in the Mathematics Classroom Our session will begin shortly. An website will be provided to obtain this PowerPoint and related GSP sketches.

Using GSP as a Demonstration Tool in the Mathematics Classroom Presented by Rick Messick Math Teacher Learning Options High School

Technology in the Classroom  Technology is not equitable  Make use of existing resources  Become familiar with the technology  Above all else:

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Technology in the Classroom  Technology is not equitable  Make use of existing resources  Become familiar with the technology  Above all else:

 Sometimes,  Sometimes, the technology doesn’t work the way we planned.  Always,.  Always, have a back-up ready to go. Plan B

People who can help  Co-workers  Department Heads  Administrators  Computer Tech People  Media specialists  College Professors

Professional Organizations  National Council of Teachers of Mathematics  Teachers Teaching with Technology  Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics  Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Getting Started with

What is Geometer’s Sketchpad? The Geometer’s Sketchpad is a software system for creating, exploring, and analyzing a wide range of mathematics.  Constructing interactive mathematical models ranging from basic investigations about shape and number to advanced, animated illustrations of complex systems.  Presenting mathematical concepts, modeling classroom questions, and encouraging student conjecturing  Posing “what if?” thought experiments, to help probe properties of constructions, and to help discover new results  Creating high-quality mathematical illustrations for use in activities and assignments, reports and publications, or simply for their intrinsic visual appeal.

GSP for Classroom Demonstrations  Sketches that come with GSP suitable for use as demonstration tools.  Teacher-created sketches used for demonstrations.

Accessing GSP Sketches To access sample sketches, open GSP and click on File->Open

Use the drop- down menu and Open window to locate and open the Sketchpad file on your hard-drive. This file was created when GSP was installed.

Once the Sketchpad file is open, click on the Samples folder, then click on the Sketches folder. This will open a group of folders containing sample sketches organized by subject area.

GSP Sketches Seven pre-made sketches that could be used for demonstration in the classroom: –Adding Integers –Algebra Tiles –Geoboard –Coordinate Graph –Least Squares Line –Tessellations –Though Experiment

Adding Integers

Algebra Tiles

Geo-board

Coordinate Graph

Least Squares Line

Tessellations

Thought Experiment

Teacher-Created Sketches I created this next group of sketches for use in my classroom as part of a graduate course while at WSU under the supervision of Dr. Sally Roberts.

Vertical Angles and Parallel Lines

Triangle Sum

Pythagoras

Congruent Triangles

Circle

Quadrilateral Family Tree

Area

Tangram Activity

Constructions

Right Triangle Trigonometry

A final thought I have come to a frightening conclusion. I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher I possess tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized. ~Haim Ginott

Thanks for your attention! If you would like a copy of this PowerPoint and my GSP sketches, visit my website: