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Using LOGO to Teach Geometry and Problem Solving to Future Middle School Teachers. Jerry Dwyer Gary Harris G. Brock Williams Texas Tech University. Our Math Curriculum for 4-8 Math Specialists. College Algebra Elementary Arithmetic Elementary Geometry Elementary Calculus
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Using LOGO to Teach Geometry and Problem Solving to Future Middle School Teachers Jerry Dwyer Gary Harris G. Brock Williams Texas Tech University
Our Math Curriculum for 4-8 Math Specialists • College Algebra • Elementary Arithmetic • Elementary Geometry • Elementary Calculus • Discrete Math and Statistics • Problem Solving / Number Theory • Computer Capstone Course
Computer Capstone Course • Maple • Calculus • Algebra • Number Theory • LearnStar • LOGO • Geometry • Problem Solving
LOGO • “Turtle Language” • Variant of LISP • Created in the 1960’s • Strongly Constructivist • Geometry By Moving the Turtle • MSWLOGO is Freely Downloadable
LOGO Material • Online Workbook • Bob Byerly and Gary Harris • Discovery Learning Activities in Class • Portfolio • LOGO Programs • School House • Teaching Activities • TEKS Objectives • Materials Ready to Teach • Short Essay
Teaching and Learning • Our Goal Is Not to Teach LOGO • Rather • Refresh Old Skills and Learn to Apply Them • Sharpen Problem Solving Skills • Prepare to Teach with Technology
Example Final Exam Question Five scenarios are described below. During the course of the semester we have focused on three technologies – Maple, LearnStar, and Logo. Choose two different scenarios below. For each scenario choose a different technology and describe thoroughly how you could apply the technology to the teaching scenario.
Example Final Exam Question • You want to introduce modular arithmetic to 4th graders. For example, the students should be able to calculate m mod n for small values of m and n. They should be able to tell if m is even or odd depending on the value of m mod 2. • You are teaching a 6th grade math class. You need to review the concept of angle measurement and the definition of a polygon. Then introduce the idea that the interior angles of a triangle add up to 180 degrees. • You are teaching an 8th grade Algebra I class. First you want to introduce the quadratic formula. Since the square root of negative numbers can occur in the quadratic formula, you also want to introduce complex numbers and i as the square root of -1. • You are teaching an AP calculus class and need explain what the derivative is and what it tells you about the function. • You are teaching an AP calculus class and need to explain how to find the derivative of a polynomial.
Teaching Projects Students chose 5 TEKS objectives and created for each • A "lesson plan" describing exactly how they could teach the objective using technology • All necessary course materials (worksheets, etc) • A short essay describing exactly how their materials will help students learn
Thanks! Questions??