Every student who has passed through high school Geometry has at one point or another used a compass and a straight-edge. As anyone who has used will tell you, it gets pretty messy. The lines never exactly match up and the paper gets covered in eraser marks and holes. So why not clean it up? Geogebra is a free Geometry software similar to Geometer’s Sketchpad. The software allows the user to cleanly perform Geometric construction on a computer that are typically done with a compass and a straight edge. What makes the software so dynamic is that the drawings are 100% movable and interactive. This allows students to explore areas of Geometry that were once limited by what can be created with a compass and straight-edge.
A great use of this software is in lessons like “Mystery of the Points.” In this lesson students use Geogebra to explore the relationship that the Circumcenter, Orthocenter, and Centroid have with each other. Students construct these points in the software and interact with them in ways not possible with pencil and paper. Students get to “discover” facts about these points and take ownership of their learning. When student’s take charge of their learning, there is a sense of confidence and pride in their work that can really change lives.
Beyond just lesson activities, this software can be used to make presentation pieces as well as develop graphics for worksheets. Students can even download the software at home to use on homework or to explore beyond what is taught in class. This software is an easy, fun way to integrate technology in the classroom. Students will get excited about learning and gain confidence.
Mystery of the Points Lesson Plan Mystery of the Points Worksheet