In my classroom I teach 9th - 12th grade mathematics. I teach geometry, honors geometry, algebra 2 and college prep. Each class starts with a real world investigation. The calculators will help to represent the situations symbolically and/or visually.
In the classes that I teach there are many ELL learners, transients and students who struggle with math.
Most students are earnest and hard working. The school is a regional high school with a large low income population. The school is limited in resources. Many of the students do not have the monies to buy the required calculator for Geometry through Calculus classes. I, like many others in my building and in other schools, spend extra time and my own money to help these students be successful. These calculators will have all my students working in small groups talking with math vocabulary and experiencing the math they are learning.
My Project
By using these calculators in small groups students can see math happen! Students using the CAS computer algebra system will be capable of displaying and evaluating values symbolically, not just as floating-point numbers. They will be able to move, visually stretch and shrink geometric shapes and quickly connect mathematical understandings. Students can write notes in the calculator reflecting as they are calculating, drawing, and solving using the calculator. My students working in small groups must talk and explain the work they are doing on the calculator, reason about it and share their understandings. Students who have learning gaps see where math is applied, is structured, and how solved on the calculator helping to re-mediate the student.
The docking station will make it possible to charge all the calculators at once. The document projector will allow groups of students to show their calculator work to the entire class as we work through an investigation.
MOTIVATION!!!!
My classroom will be more exciting and active. Students will be sharing and communicating mathematically in small groups. Students will see how math works and through the investigations where it is applied in the real world.
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