The Geometers Sketchpad

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Software Evaluation Review
of
The Geometers Sketchpad
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The Geometers Sketchpad is an excellent software
that has revolutionized the teaching and learning
of Geometry.
Because of its diversity it can be used with
students from grade 5 up to college.
Not only can it be used in the field of geometry
but as well as in algebra, trigonometry,
calculus, science, and more.
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What Makes This Software Excellent?
The Geometers Sketchpad allows students to draw
an object and to explore its mathematical
properties by dragging the object with the mouse.
Preserving all geometric relationships, thus
giving the students an entire set of similar case
in a matter of seconds, allowing them to make and
state their own conjectures.
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Example
The following sketches are done in The Geometers
Sketchpad which examine the idea that any three
nonlinear points determine a circle. In the
sketch each circle is determined by a vertex and
a randomly positioned point of each adjacent side
of the triangle. These circles are concurrent at
a point named after Auguste Miquel, who published
a paper on the subject in 1838.
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Explanation of Example
Each three sketches represents the same sketch
however they are changed by dragging different
areas of the triangle and circles with the mouse.
Students who work an activity like this one can
make a conjecture concerning the possible
locations of the Miquel point.
Such an activity give the students a feeling and
pride of ownership of their learning. Also,
students are more likely to remember something
they discovered for themselves than something
taught to them.
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Standards Meet
The following standards where meet with the
previous example concerning the Miquel point.
For INTASC
Principle 1 The teacher understands the central
concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the
discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create
learning experiences that make these aspects of
subject matter meaningful for students.
Principle 3 The teacher understands how
students differ in their approaches to learning
and creates instructional opportunities that are
adapted to diverse learners.
Principle 4 The teacher understands and uses a
variety of instructional strategies to encourage
students' development of critical thinking,
problem solving, and performance skills.
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Standards Meet
For Nets

• Students use technology tools to enhance
  learning, increase productivity, and promote
  creativity.

• Students use productivity tools to collaborate
  in constructing technology-enhanced models,
  prepare publications, and produce other creative
  works.

• Students use technology resources for solving
  problems and making informed decisions.

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Standards Meet
For NCTM

• Analyze characteristics and properties of two-
  and three- dimensional geometric shapes and
  develop mathematical arguments about geometric
  relationship.

• Draw and construct representation of two- and
  three- dimensional geometric objects using a
  variety of tools.

• Explore relationship (including congruence and
  similarity) among classes of two- and three-
  dimensional geometric objects, make and test
  conjectures about them, and solve problems
  involving them

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Besides Geometry Sketchpad Can be used in the
following

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Statistics
• Calculus
• Science
• Art

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Example 2
The following is an example how sketchpad could
be used in a lesson that teaches about the
quadratic functions of the form f(x) ax2 bx
c.
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Example 2
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Example 2
Students uses this sketch to manipulate different
values of a, b, and c for a quadratic equation of
the form f(x) ax2 bx c. In doing this
activity students discover on their own how
different parameters effect the shape of the
graphs of quadratic functions.
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Cost

• Single-User Package
• 10-User Lab Pack
• 50-User School Site License/Network Package
• Unlimited User School Site License/Network Package

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Single-User Package

• The Geometer's Sketchpad software on disk or
  CD-ROM
• Over 100 sample sketches and scripts
• 248-page User Guide and Reference Manual
• Sturdy three-ring binder
• Teaching Notes with 25 sample Activity Masters
• Welcome to the Sketchpad Classroom video
• Quick Reference Guide

119.95
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10-User Lab Pack

• Complete single-user support package
• 10 Quick Reference Guides
• Set of Windows or Macintosh masters for use on up
  to 10 computers

399.95
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50-User School Site License/Network Package

• Complete single-user support package
• 20 Quick Reference Guides
• Set of Windows or Macintosh masters that can run
  on your school network or can be copied for use
  on up to 50 computers at your school site

899.95
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Unlimited User School Site License/Network Package

• Complete single-user support package
• 20 Quick Reference Guides
• Set of Windows or Macintosh masters that can run
  on your school network or copied for unlimited
  use at your school site

1,299.95
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Avocation of Software
I highly recommend the purchase of The Geometers
Sketchpad. I feel it will be a valuable piece of
software for our school to own.
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Further Information
The Geometers Sketchpad website
address http//www.keypress.com/sketchpad Downlo
adable Demo http//www.keypress.com/sketchpad/ske
tchdemo.html Lesson using The Geometers
Sketchpad http//www.bsu.edu/web/mdlade/Stars/ S
ample projects http//www.keypress.com/sketchpad/
projideas/projideas.html
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Presentation done by Michael Lade Software
acquired for evaluation from
http//www.keypress.com/sketchpad/sketchdemo.html