GeoGebra STEM Exploration

Develop GeoGebra mathematical modeling projects which reach out to a wide range of users both of teachers and student users

Lesson idea. A half-term develop ‘real life’ mathematical applications which take into account a wide variety of users. To encourage pupils to develop ‘real life’ mathematical applications which take into account a wide variety of users. To think about and meet user requirements. To experience individual ownership of their project yet communicate and collaborate to achieve their objective. A complete activity description, sample student project outcome descriptions and GeoGebra applications files are provided.

Teaching approach. The half-term activity consists of 3 half-day workshops interspersed with home-working and on-line collaboration. Each workshop is part tutorial and help in GeoGebra, part development, presentation and feedback on their emerging work. The three half-day sessions become gradually less structured as students become more confident taking the initiative in developing their own work:

An initial GeoGebra tutorial session features ‘real life’ examples such as mathematical modelling^(ta) and visualisation^(ta) from photographs of patterns and structure in flowers and architecture; exercises such as “math aerobics” where students model algebraic functions kinaesthetically; and data analysis and exploration such as from astronomy (Kepler's 3rd law) and athletic performance (Usain Bolt’s 100m sprints). Realistic examples such as these, or from students’ previous work, are essential to get the ball rolling. Following this, the onus is very much on the student’s own initiative. The focus on ‘real life’ and student ownership of ideas and project development increases student motivation.

The activity engages pupils in group talk^(ta), mathematical thinking^(ta) and vocabulary^(ta). This open ended^(ta) task develops higher order^(ta) reasoning^(ta), and encourages whole class^(ta) discussion^(ta)/questioning^(ta) and inquiry^(ta) projects.

Resource details
Title	GeoGebra STEM Exploration
Topic
Teaching approach
Learning Objectives	By the end of the lesson pupils should be able to: see the worth of probability tables and know how to use them to solve a problem
Format / structure	wiki page with downloadable .doc version
Subject
Age of students / grade
Table of contents
Additional Resources/material needed
Useful information	Some large wooden dice that are coloured green, yellow, red and purple with stickers to show numbers (see this page). Any practical probability starting point carries the risk that the results will not, in the short term, produce the expected results. This is a useful discussion point.
Related ORBIT Wiki Resources
Other (e.g. time frame)
Files and resources to view and download	Playing with Probability - Efrons Dice/Activity
Acknowledgement
License