Stetson



(Tara & Clark) iPad Reaction: 1. Overall reaction to the iPad and classroom use. Pros: The iPad has the ability to consolidate so much information into one source which is attractive. The instant solving and graphing capabilities of certain apps make graphing, solving, and operating on complex functions much easier. Also, the iPad is more accessible than most graphing calculators. Plus, it functions as a white board, making notes and completed examples much easier to save. Cons: The games are very difficult to avoid. We could see many students using the non-mathematics functions at inappropriate times. 2. Create one activity using the iPad. Calculus: Analyzing the Graphs of Derivatives Using the Wolfram app, students will graph a series of complex functions. Then they will compute the derivative computationally (check it using Wolfram) and graph the derivatives of each function (check it using Wolfram). Students will then formulate comparisons between the graph of the original and its derivative. Students will be asked to find the equation of the tangent line at specific points on the original function to make connections between the two graphs. At this point, they’ll recognize the derivative at a specific point is the slope of the line tangent to the curve at that same point, giving them a basis for comparison. An assignment of finding the graph of the original function, given that graph of its derivative, and vice versa, will assess the students' understanding of the topic.

3. Search for a lesson plan for your area. We failed to find a mathematics lesson plan that explicitly incorporates the use of the iPad. This is no shock given the short time that the iPad has been available to the general public. The best that we could come up with are several articles relaying information concerning the “top umpteen” math apps for the iPad and/or iPod Touch: [] ; []

4. Find two apps that you could use in your area. //-iFormulas//: This useful app contains over 330 formulas, definitions, laws and properties and would be a great quick reference guide for secondary level Math classes. Algebra, Geometry, Calculus and Trigonometry are all covered by iFormulas. It won't tell you the answers, but it will provide you with the formulas you need to calculate the answer. //Number Line//: This app helps students learn about fractions, decimals, percentages and their equivalents. It’s a game that features several levels where the objective is to drag objects onto a number line in the correct numerical order. Points are awarded for the correct placement of the numbers and quickness of response. Points are subtracted for placing numbers in the wrong place.

5. Would the iPad be a good investment for your school? The iPad would be a good investment for Henry-Senachwine High School, but in small doses. We do not feel that at present every classroom would need a lab. Rather, let’s set up some "test" classrooms to see how the iPad fits into the curriculum. The grade school and junior high classes could really benefit from the iPad based on the apps we saw in class; however, the apps directed towards a high school mathematics curriculum, like Wolfram, can easily be found online.

_ Skype Reaction Powerpoint Presentation //Files// media type="file" key="Toe Touch.wmv"media type="file" key="Jump.wmv" media type="file" key="Front hurdler.wmv"