Sketchpad Projects at gordon247.com

	Projects and Investigations

That Use the Software Program

Geometer’s Sketchpad ^{^{^®}}

A note from Mr. Gordon: On this page are some suggestions for projects and investigations that use Geometer's Sketchpad for math class. Q: Where do I get Geometer's Sketchpad? A: It's on most every school computer at Stowe Middle School. If you want your own copy, you can get a demo version (you're not allowed to save files) or buy your own copy on the Geometer's Sketchpad website, which you can connect to from my math links web page. Another good idea is to enter "Geometer's Sketchpad" into Google, like this. Here are some other, general points (about math projects) to keep in mind: If you hope to get class credit, let me know, and tell me what you are doing. That way I can give you some help and resources. It will also make sure that we agee on what is to be expected of you. If you want credit, your work must be done well; it must be neat and clearly explained, free of English errors. If these projects don't suit your needs, or if you have a better idea, email me or speak to me in school. Signed,

The Projects

Illustrate Something We Studied in Class

The Projects Use Geometer’s Sketchpad to illustrate some concept or investigation that we have studied in class. Prepare the sketch so that it has a clear explanation written into the sketch. Show it to the class either as a demonstration with a projector, saved as HTML to appear on the internet, or as an interactive experience that we can all do in class with our classroom set of laptop computers.

Optical Illusions

Re-create one or several of your favorite optical illusions in Geometer’s Sketchpad. See my optical illusions webpage for some examples.

Polyhedra Nets

A two-dimensional (flat) template that you can cut out, fold, and glue into a polyhedron is called a “net”. Use Geometer’s Sketchpad to create a net or several nets. Print them out, fold them and assemble them into one or more polyhedra or a polyhedra collection exhibit.

Reverse Engineering

Find a Geometer’s Sketchpad sketch online or from material supplied to you from Mr. Gordon. It should be at a level close to your own or slightly beyond it. Figure out how the skietch works, then make your own copy of it from scratch.

Ferris Wheel

Make a picture of a spinning Ferris wheel in Geometer’s Sketchpad. As it spins, remember that the chairs must remain vertical.

Some of the above projects were adapted from:

101 Project Ideas for the Geometer’s SketchPad,

(Key Curriculum Press, 2001)

Note: for more general projects, click tab at top of page for “above and beyond” above.