GeoGebra STEM Exploration
Lesson idea. A half-term development of ‘real life’ mathematical applications which take into account a wide variety of users. Students are asked to think about and meet target user requirements, and to experience individual ownership of their project yet communicate and collaborate to achieve their objective.
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. (edit)
| Resource details | |
| Title | GeoGebra STEM Exploration |
| Topic | |
| Teaching approach | |
| Learning Objectives | By the end of the activity students should be able to:
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| Format / structure | wiki page with downloadable .doc version |
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| Age of students / grade | |
| Table of contents | |
| Additional Resources/material needed | |
| Useful information | The first resource is an overall description of the activity, containing example activities and agendas. This is followed by math aerobics and two highly successful GeoGebra resources to stimulate the students. Finally, five students GeoGebra activities can be sued to further stimulate new students. |
| Related ORBIT Wiki Resources | |
| Other (e.g. time frame) | |
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| Acknowledgement | |
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