GeoGebra: Do The Math!

Description

GeoGebra is a dynamic software tool for teaching and learning mathematics. Markus Hohenwarter started the project in 2001, while he was a graduate student at the University of Salzburg in Austria. Dr. Hohenwarter now lives in the United States and works at Florida State University, where he continues to refine and expand the GeoGebra project. The software is free and because it is Java-based, it runs on all operating systems that support Java. GeoGebra allows the user to create objects as algebraic coordinates and equations or as geometric constructions of points, lines, and curves. A wide range of commands and tools calculate anything from simple intersections to derivatives of advanced functions. An algebra view and corresponding geometry view of objects are always available. The connections between algebra and geometry and the dynamic capabilities of GeoGebra make it a tool that can greatly enhance presentations in the math classroom as well as a tool that fosters mathematical thinking by students. GeoGebra: Do the Math is a series of screencast tutorials for teachers and/or students. The tutorials were initiated as a project to support Maine math teachers in the integration of technology in the classroom. What is GeoGebra provides an overview of the program and its capabilities. Several tutorials present the program’s menu options and tools in step-by-step format. Another group of tutorials provides examples of GeoGebra learning activities in major math content areas. These tutorials are intended as a visual supplement to printed guides and documentation. GeoGebra users can find a wealth of guidance and examples at www.geogebra.org. A web search such as “GeoGebra Pythagorean Theorem” will yield hundreds of additional articles, examples, and applets.