Sketchpad videos

http://www.youtube.com/user/KeyCurriculumPress#p/c/ED9B0FBDA2677A82/5/SdzLQWTraIQ

I chose an introductory video because GS is new to me. I liked how is suggested to let the students just "play" for a while to understand the functions. This has made me rethink my presentation this week. I was going to walk the class through the operation functions but I might just give them some time to "play". In retrospect, that is how I learned the operation buttons.

I also like the teacher that talked about using GS as a demonstration tool only. She has a valid point when she explained it is not always easy to get your students into a lab. This is very easy for me as I already have a laptop and projector.

Using Google Earth as a constructivist approach

Solving prop0rtions is not just about solving for x, its about finding a relationship and using math to find out the number that makes the relationship true. As teachers, we need to present situations to students that allow them to compare them and find relationships so students understand proportional reasoning. This google earth activity is exactly what we need to be doing! Not only did the students meet the math standards, they were also meeting the process standards defined by NCTM. I am definitely going to use this activity in my MS classes.