Projects for Spring, 2002

Project 1

Write your name in the set of procedures (on the procedures page) on the computer, and print out your instructions, connected to the drawings.

Part A:

Write Logo instructions to perform each task:

a. Draw a train track.

b. Draw a ruler, showing cm and mm.

c. Draw a set of tiles to fill the computer screen, with each tile measuring 5 steps by 11 steps (a rectangular tile shape).

d. Draw the front of a simple brick wall, with one gate in it, and using an alternating pattern of bricks on each successive row.

Part B:

Write and show how you develop procedures to construct as many of the seven quadrilateral shapes as you can. Each shape must be specified in a completely general way (using algebraic variables to describe its measures for lengths and angles).

Project 2

Peer Teaching in the Geometer’s Sketchpad Software Environment:

Reflecting on Teaching a Geometry Lesson from ShapemakersÔ

Write a 2-3 page account of your experience teaching a 30-minute segment on Classes of Quadrilaterals and Triangles using ShapemakersÔ software. Describe three aspects of this instructional activity: first, tell what specific geometric ideas you intended to teach, second, explain what happened in terms of what the students were doing and thinking while you taught, and last, explain what that means about whether they learned the geometric ideas you were teaching, and what you think should be done in the next lesson with these same students. Be specific in your writing, and give supporting evidence from your observations of students, conversations with students, or from what they wrote down (or from drawings they made).

Finally, as you write, be sure to reflect on the geometric ideas from your own viewpoint as you worked to develop these ideas with your “students” (your classmates). How did your own concepts change through the process of developing this lesson?

Due Date: April 18, 2002

NOTE: Be sure to have someone else proofread your report for grammar and style. You must either use a word processor (MS word: double-space, Times, 12 point type, standard margins) or type this document. I will not edit the paper for you (you will have to rewrite it).

Project Three

Describing Geometric Structure in the Solar System

Assignment:

· Construct a set of two dynamic geometry sketches (one in Geometer's Sketchpad and one in Microworlds Logo) that develop a connection between geometry and the solar system of planets and Sun (and moons?).

· Write about the process of designing, and carrying out your project within these two software environments. You should describe the process of modeling a real physical situation (the Solar System in this case) and compare the process of modeling within two different software programs (2 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point Times font, standard margins).

· Be prepared to give a verbal presentation (3 minutes long) to explain the geometry concepts and the connection to science.

· Collaborate with other students to support their work and improve your own project by incorporating suggestions from fellow students.

Each project should:

· Explore and develop a significant geometry concept from the K-8 Geometry and Measurement Curriculum (See Principles and Standards, 2000, NCTM).

· Connect this geometric concept to the Astronomy situation,

· Narrate the process of working on this mathematical model,

· Include some text in each GSP sketch (questions and hints), explaining how the geometry fits the biology concept.

· Cite two supporting references other than our course texts.

Due April 25, 2002

Please submit your work two ways:

1) Turn in your files to my hand-in folder in STV 314 lab computers (please name your sketches with your last name, and proj3a, and proj3b (e.g. jbarrett.proj3a), and

2) submit the typed journal section and make hand-drawn pictures of your sketches.