Interactivity #4

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajj_oz2opyeldG1LbGtfa0FlN1ZpNlVrVzNEeDh3Znc&usp=sharing

­­­I chose this lesson plan because a geometry lesson is most successful when using technology. This topic should be taught in all geometry classes and by using the correct resources, students will be able to fully understand the topic by interaction and visualization.

The lesson plan did allow students to demonstrate their understanding of certain shapes while actually measuring lengths. In addition, students construct arguments and critique others reasons. Moreover, this lesson allows students to use various tools, of technology especially, to complete the task. All of these are ways the lesson contributed to curriculum goals. However, there were some strategies that I thought were missing from the lesson. Each activity worksheet and the interactive website had the shapes already provided. It is possible a lesson that had students create these shapes was previously introduced, but I believe it should have been incorporated into this one. By using Geometer’s Sketchpad, the students would be able to create the shapes and create the story of placing a hut on a deserted island. This concentration allows the students to help understand why their solution solves the problem. Furthermore, this fulfills the curriculum goal of drawing geometric shapes; something that helps most students explain and unravel the problem. Additionally, instead of just having a class discussion that may be led by only several students, having the class discuss their findings using an online blog fulfills the curriculum goal of constructing arguments and critiquing their peers. Finally, using a SmartBoard, if available, allows the teacher to be more interactive while discussing the activity sheets. Marking the worksheet instead of using an overhead projector will help students visualize the topic.