kjt/spring 1999

ci 330 ms

Laboratory Activity 1I

Geometer's Sketchpad

Please note: Assignments requiring files to be submitted (by Monday, March 29) are referenced in bold.

  1. Construct a triangle. Label its vertices: A, B, C.
  2. Select a vertex and drag the triangle so that it takes on different shapes. Example: Isosceles; equilateral.

    3.  

  3. Using the features of the measure pull down menu, find the size of each angle of triangle ABC. Have Sketchpad state the measure of each angle.

    4.  

  4. Repeat step 2 above and note how the angle measures vary.
  5. In measure, use calculate to find the sum of the measures of the three angles.

    6.  

  6. Repeat step 2. What do you notice about the sum of the three angles ?
  7. The Theorem of Pythagoras states that in a right angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. It is reported that in Ancient Egypt, this property was used to construct a right angle (for example, the square corner of a piece of property).

    8. Use Sketchpad to explore the Theorem of Pythagoras and verify the Egyptian method of constructing a right angle.

  8. Explore three of the programs provided by the Sketchpad library. Choose one. Write a paragraph to tell how you could use this program in your own teaching.

    9. For extra credit:

  9. Construct a circle. Do an exploration to demonstrate the relationship between its
  1. Diameter and circumference; (b) diameter (or radius) and area.