The Geometer's Sketchpad?

[Heather in NC]

Anyone used this? Feedback??? Thanks!

[HomeOnTheRanch]

According to DH, he thinks it is helpful because it allows DS to manipulate geometric figures in a way that isn't possible with paper and pencil. Therefore it aids in quicker understanding of the concepts.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[Kathy in Richmond]

We have an old copy of Geometer's Sketchpad - the kids enjoyed playing with it when they were studying geometry. My dd recently came across a similar program

Geogebra software (http://www.geogebra.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=67&Itemid=63)

that not only does a lot of the same stuff, but it's available as a free download. She actually prefers this one and uses it a lot (she's a math kid).

Kathy

[Tressa]

My son loves it. I am not sure what edition he is using. He said that it helps him visualize his drawings better than paper. I think that it is kind of fun, but he has to take me step by step to do anything.

[Caroline]

I like Geometer's Sketchpad, but I like Geogebra better. I have access to both, and have used both teaching geometry and calculus. I do think having this sort of program can help with understanding geometry. I think there is some calculus software that can add on to GS. I don't have access to it, but I have seen it at an AP Institute.

[jenadina]

I used GS when I was in high school and it really helped with understanding for me. Geometry was my favorite class that year!

[Sandra in FL]

nt

[matroyshka]

Is Geogebra close enough to Geometer's Sketchpad that I could use it with math curricula that use GS?

I'm thinking of using Singapore's Discovering Mathematics 1A/B, and perhaps later the Math without Borders Geometry program, both of which require Geometer's Sketchpad - could I use Geogebra instead?

Free is good! :D

[Kathy in Richmond]

Well...I would *think* you could you it instead of Sketchpad. I don't own those two particular curricula.

Geogebra performs the same basic functions as Sketchpad, but the menu choices/commands are a bit different. You could downloaded Geogebra before you actually started the math program, and become comfortable with it - it's not too hard to learn!

[Heather in NC]

Thanks for the free Geogebra suggestion!!! I am going to check it out.