I've added several GeoGebra files to my Parabolas and Quadratics page. Some are self-explanatory, others will probably only make sense if you download and familiarize yourself with the accompanying curriculum materials.GeoGebra users may be interested in my use of the very powerful "Sequence" command in creating the trinomial.ggb file. This command allows interactive geometry to… Continue reading Parabolas and Quadratics in GeoGebra
Author: hpicciotto
Straightedge and Compass
Back when I was a high school student, I had mixed feelings about compass and straightedge constructions. On the one hand, I liked the geometric challenge, on the other hand, I hated the physical challenge of working with an actual compass. Maybe 20 years later, I had exactly the same experience as a high school… Continue reading Straightedge and Compass
New: GeoGebra files for Function Diagrams
I posted several GeoGebra files for function diagrams:to compare the function diagram of any function with its Cartesian graph.to illustrate the concept of composition of functions.to illustrate the concept of rate of change.to find the parameters of y=mx+b from the position of the function diagram focus.to solve a system of simultaneous linear equations with the… Continue reading New: GeoGebra files for Function Diagrams
Upcoming workshop and presentations
I'll be offering a workshop at East Bay Charter Connect's Third Annual Charter School Symposium on Friday, October 11, in Oakland, CA. My theme is "Connecting the Dots (math on the geoboard and dot paper)". This will include selected topics in algebra and geometry: area, distance, the Pythagorean theorem, simplifying radicals, dilation, slope, and more!… Continue reading Upcoming workshop and presentations
New Transformational Geometry Page
I've added a Transformational Geometry page to my Web site. I expect it will grow over the next year, as I get further into this and develop new ideas and materials. (See also my earlier post on transformational geometry, which generated an interesting response.) --Henri
Math and Art
Many years ago, I team-taught a class called "Math and Art" with my then-colleague Stephen Thomas, who was an art teacher at The Urban School. Like most such endeavors at any school, the class was short-lived — I believe we offered it twice. However it was not in vain: some of that curriculum found its… Continue reading Math and Art
Interactive Geometry Software
Some years ago, I started using interactive geometry software. My application of choice was Cabri, because I appreciated its mathematical depth and the elegant simplicity of its interface. I developed a number of Cabri-based activities, many of which you can find on my Web site. For example:function diagrams, the geometry of the parabola and ellipse, factoring… Continue reading Interactive Geometry Software
NY Times special issue
The New York Times special issue on math and science education on September 2, 2013, included some worthwhile items."Cognitive Science Meets Pre-Algebra" reports on a recent study of "interleaving homework" in a middle school in Tampa. The idea was to compare the usual approach (homework is on the topic currently under study) with interleaving, which… Continue reading NY Times special issue
Extending Exposure
Not all students learn new math concepts at the same rate. Everyone knows this. Can anything be done about it?This is part of a multifaceted strategy to teach heterogeneous classes. Read about it in this article: Reaching the Full Range. Most schools attempt to make the problem more manageable by tracking students into Honors, Regular,… Continue reading Extending Exposure
One Should Separate Related Topics!
This is part of a multifaceted strategy to teach heterogeneous classes. Read about it in this article: Reaching the Full Range.In a previous post, I discussed the benefits of "lagging homework". These included extending student exposure to new ideas, which benefits everyone: stronger students get the forward motion they want and need, and students who… Continue reading One Should Separate Related Topics!
Henri's Math Education Blog 