Geometer's Sketchpad

www.cymaths.co.uk/cat--Geometer-s-Sketchpad--Geometers-Sketchpad.html

KS3 - KS4 (Years 7 - 11)

Mathematics & ICT

This product is distributed by Chartwell-Yorke

It is difficult to fault Geometer's Sketchpad in terms of its design and flexibility and it is a valuable creative tool for students and teachers. Although it is primarily aimed at students above Key Stage 3, a skilful teacher at this level will find it possible to manipulate the program to enable students to construct and experiment with geometric and algebraic figures in a meaningful way. Teachers will also find it invaluable as an explanatory presentational tool for teaching purposes. Geometer's Sketchpad has additional cross-curricular possibilities and I would recommend it as a worthwhile whole-school resource.

The software was evaluated with Key Stage 3 pupils, but it should be noted that the program was successfully used to address Key Stage 2 Numeracy Strategy objectives with Year 5 pupils. There will always be a place for traditional pencil and paper constructions, but I found that using this software encouraged the students to comment on mathematical relationships and make important generalisations. Throughout the Key Stage 3 Numeracy Strategy there are many Shape and Space objectives that can be addressed by using this program. During the four-week evaluation period the software kept the students engaged and brought Geometry to life. In conclusion, I feel this software is an essential resource for any Secondary Mathematics Department.