GeoGebra Projects – a Tool for Learning & Teaching Algebra – Parabolas

By Bill Lombard on 28 February, 2009

parabola projects GeoGebra Projects a Tool for Learning & Teaching Algebra Parabolas

Projects are a great way for students to demonstrate their understanding of mathematics in a colorful, artistic way. When using GeoGebra, the open-source Geometry-Algebra-Graphing software, their projects rise to a new height. Many of these projects are as good as those you run across on the internet, and many can be used as instructional aids in the classroom.

Last week my 9th grade classes spent two days in the computer lab creating these projects. Each student signed up for a different parabola, then created its graph using GeoGebra. They were asked to use a font large enough to read when their projects were displayed using an LCD classroom projector, and also to use color to enhance understanding. When they completed the graph in GeoGebra, they exported it to MS Word for final editing. Using Text Boxes in Word they were able to list some of the properties of their parabola. This was a nice project since it required students to learn skills needed to communicate their ideas to others. When done, students printed their projects, my Teacher Aides uploaded them to my Picasa website, and now anyone can view their finished works of art/math. Below is a slideshow of their work.

Projects can be created on computer, or can be made using paper/pencil. The end result is a demonstration of mathematics in an alternative way. I encourage you to give projects a try; your students will surely thank you!

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mr ls cursive signature GeoGebra Projects a Tool for Learning & Teaching Algebra Parabolas

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Posted in | Tagged , , , , | 2 Responses

2 responses to “GeoGebra Projects – a Tool for Learning & Teaching Algebra – Parabolas”

  1. Katie Wheeler
    Katie Wheeler 15 February, 2011 at 12:32 pm |

    What were the instructions that you gave students for this assignment? If it is above, I apologize, I just see a big blank space when I open it.

    Thanks,
    Katie

  2. Bill Lombard
    Bill Lombard 3 March, 2011 at 5:06 pm |

    Hi Katie,
    I typed a set of 24 different parabola equations on a sheet of paper, then asked students to place their name next to one of the equations.
    Each student then created the graph of the parabola using GeoGebra.
    By having different equations, students were not copying from each other, but had to solve their own problem.
    Hope this helps,
    - Mr. L

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