Jimmy Clemson

Dr. Adu-Gyamfi

9/13/13

Geogebra Assessment

Geogebra is an interactive geometry and algebra, hence the name, software that is

designed to explore and show those areas of mathematics. Geogebra can be found on its own

website, Geogebra.org, where it is available for download. It can be downloaded onto the

computer in use and stored there or there is the option to run the program in the web browser

without having to download the software onto the computer. Geogebra also has applications

that can be run on tablets, iPad’s and other products of the sort. One of the main advantages of

Geogebra over other similar software is that Geogebra is available to download for free.

Geogebra can be used to show, explore, teach and as a resource to aid in problem solving. It can

be used in classes in middle school all the way up to upper level college courses as one of its key

features is in its variety of functions.

Common Core Standards Addressed:

CCSS.Math.Content.HSN-Q.A.1 Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.

CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-REI.C.7 Solve a simple system consisting of a linear equation and a quadratic equation in two variables algebraically and graphically. For example, find the points of intersection between the line y = –3x and the circle x2 + y2 = 3.

CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-REI.C.8 (+) Represent a system of linear equations as a single matrix equation in a vector variable.

CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-REI.C.9 (+) Find the inverse of a matrix if it exists and use it to solve systems of linear equations (using technology for matrices of dimension 3 × 3 or greater).

CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-REI.D.10 Understand that the graph of an equation in two variables is the set of all its solutions plotted in the coordinate plane, often forming a curve (which could be a line).

CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-REI.D.11 Explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the equations y = f(x) and y = g(x) intersect are the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x); find the solutions approximately, e.g., using technology to graph the functions, make tables of values, or find successive approximations. Include cases where f(x) and/or g(x) are linear, polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic functions.★

CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-C.A.2 Identify and describe relationships among inscribed angles, radii, and chords. Include the relationship between central, inscribed, and circumscribed angles; inscribed angles on a diameter are right angles; the radius of a circle is perpendicular to the tangent where the radius intersects the circle.

CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-C.A.4 (+) Construct a tangent line from a point outside a given circle to the circle.

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list of the standards that can be covered in Geogebra, this

is just a sample of what can be done as you are only limited by your creativity.

Geogebra lends itself very well to a couple of the Standards for Mathematical Practices.

Modeling with mathematics works well with Geogebra because if the student can come up with

the model, he can use the software to express or run the model. Another one it fits nicely with is

to Look for and Make Use of Structure. In Geogebra many things are connected with a parent

child relationship. With that understanding students can use that knowledge to their advantage

and use that built in structure. And attending to precision is a must especially when in the

geometry section of Geogebra. If things are not drawn/constructed in a certain way, they may

not act in the manner that was intended.

Geogebra works very well, especially with it being a free program. It is very easy to pick up.

Upon opening there is a box to start up one of the many functions of Geogebra and drop down

boxes display all the basic features that Geogebra has to offer. There is also a pdf file for

beginners where it shows the user step by step how to use Geogebra, though by the end of the

pdf file there is some very complex techniques so it is not only for beginners. It is very well

organized with anything being able to be found at a moments notice.

The goal of Geogebra is to provide free dynamic mathematics software that aids in mathematics

and technology education. I think it accomplishes this goal by allowing students to explore and

discover mathematics as opposed to just being told how it is. Take for example a 30-60-90

degree triangle. The student can construct that triangle and change the size of it and experiment

to find out the relationships between the side lengths.

As opposed to just telling the student that the hypotenuse is twice the shortest side they can discover it

themselves. I would definitely recommend this software to schools because of its functionality in the

classroom and the help it can provide in the teaching of mathematics. It is very comparable to

Geometer’s Sketchpad, where they can do many of the same things, but Geogebra is free.