Appropriate Use of Technology

• Task 2-2:  Standards, standards everywhere.    

http://www.khanacademy.org/video/similar-triangles?playlist=Geometry 

This lesson defiantly addresses some of the standards for 7th grade geometry. It shows how to draw triangles and the unique properties of triangles including sum of all angles will equal 180 degrees. It also describes sizes, orientations and transformations of triangles and the properties of similar triangles and how similar triangles may be different sizes due to scaling but the angles remain the same. It also touches on rotational symmetry.

I think this was effective for refreshing my memory about similar triangles and would be a good demonstration to begin a class with. However I think that a better lesson would be one where 7th graders could follow along with. Giving them a hands-on opportunity to see how similar triangles interact. It also would need to build on previous knowledge about the properties of triangles. He is very clear and concise which makes him easy to understand and follow.

This technology does offer a way for students to access lessons from home if they have computers. It also would be available to parents who are trying to help their children with homework.

It does lack some sort of hands on element that I think is essential to this kind of lesson. Maybe different size similar triangle blocks or paper cut outs. I also would include rotational symmetry in more depth. Showing how the same triangle can be resized or rotated and still have the same angles. 

I would include a hands on element to this lesson. Blocks, paper cutouts or an online application would help to reach students who have a hard time following along or are tactile learners. I would also include examples for the real world such as the Eiffel Tower or bridges that use triangles to increase strength. There are also some really cool resources out their to illustrate geometric properties like this one from Wolfram (http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/GoldilocksAndThe3SimilarTriangles/).

The standard share a few harmonious similarities but are in some cases vague and disconnected. The NCTM Standards seemed very concrete. They are worded in a more real world situation and I can see connecting them to real life situation easier.