Exploring Ratios
Introduction
Microsoft Excel can be used in more advanced ways. By using macros and javascript a teacher can integrate this technology into the classroom flawlessly.
To get more information on Macros: [1]
In this lesson you will explore two pre-designed programs that use macros and allow students to explore mathematics in new and interesting ways.
Unit Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of the capabilities of GSP in a mathematics classroom
- Use a pre-designed program to explore ratios
- Demonstrate an understanding of possible misconceptions students may have using GSP
Lesson Activities
Using a pre-designed program for Mathematical exploration
Now that we have gotten the basics down in GSP we want to explore how a teacher could design whole lessons are the program. Here we will design a Pythagorean Theorem proof that will allow students to drag the segment lengths to explore various sizes of triangles. Once the program is made it could be saved and used over and over to remind students about the theorem and where it comes from.
To begin click: [2] AND EXPLORE!
Think about what types of discussion topics this could bring about:
- Students could explore the difference between such fractions as 1/2 and 1/1.
- Students will be able to visually see that x/x will fill an entire circle.
- Students can begin to explore how to go from fraction to decimal to percent.
For further exploration: Have students start at 1/1 and first continually increase the denominator. Then do the same but increase the numerator
REMEMBER: LEARN THROUGH EXPLORATION. TRY NEW THINGS AND EXPLORE THE TOOLS THAT THE PROGRAM GIVES YOU BEFORE YOU MOVE ON!
Using a pre-designed program for Mathematical exploration
Now we will use another pre-designed program that explores secondary level mathematics.
To begin click: [3]
This program allows the user to randomly roll and 8- and 12-sided die 400 times.
To roll the die - Click: RECORD
More than just putting down the numbers that are rolled there is a summary chart and graph created.
Think about what types of discussion topics this could bring about:
- This program allows students to view the data in a variety of ways
- Students will be able to compare these results to the theoretical results
Back to: Mathematical Exploration with Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP)