Geometer’s Sketchpad

“Digging Deeper” for Math Resources
March 21, 2007

pvreeland@ycsd.york.va.us

Introduction

Geometer's Sketchpad is a tool to enable students and teachers to better visualize and understand complex mathematical concepts.

Helping students understand and represent knowledge nonlinguistically is the most under-used instructional strategy (Marzano et al., 2001). Taking advantage of this teaching tool requires focusing on current classroom practice and looking for opportunities to engage students in multiple modes.

Use nonlinguistic modes in the content areas. Math and science classrooms offer ideal settings for incorporating nonlinguistic learning experiences. Models, graphs, imagery, and other tools enable students to engage in actively constructing representations of their understanding.
Foster cooperative learning. Encourage students to work in small teams when they are constructing nonlinguistic representations. Students' questions and discussions will help them communicate and refine their thinking.
- • By providing manipulable models,
  • By offering visual representations,
  • By providing a novel and appealing environment in which to gain mathematical fluency,
  • By allowing students to work empirically with patterns in mathematical phenomena,
  • By supporting the development and use of mathematical vocabulary,
  • By sharing the mathematical authority often held exclusively by teachers.

Task

Today you will explore multiple resources to find Geometer's Sketchpad lessons, activities, tutorials, and working models.

You will use hotlists, multimedia collections, and the web to find tools to support you specific math curriculum.

Your fworking product will be a personal list of Geometer's Sketchpad resources that you can use to enhance mathmatical thinking in your classrooms. You will also find resources to support review for the SOL exams and Quarterly Tests.

Process

Using division curriculum pacing, GMS student data, and your long range plans:

Open the "Geometer's Sketchpad Resources"Folder on the y-drive.(in Public - GMS - GMS_StaffDev-0607)
Open and explore all of the resources in the folder.
Choose the folder with your math level or the Geometers' Hotlist document
Use the note taking sheet provided to record what you find and where.
1. Note what you will use the geometer's sketchpad resource for and when you will use it this year and next.

Credits & References

http://www.netc.org/focus/strategies/nonl.php
2005 - Focus on Effectiveness is a product of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. These materials are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. The following acknowledgment is requested on materials which are reproduced: Developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, Oregon.

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