The Geometer's Sketchpad Unit 1

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Meet Geometer’s Sketchpad
The Geometer’s Sketchpad Unit 1

Meet Geometer’s Sketchpad
Overview: In this unit, participants become familiar with the menus and tools of The
Geometer’s Sketchpad (Sketchpad) dynamic geometry program through
exploration and construction.
Objective: TExES Mathematics Competencies

III.012.E. The beginning teacher describes and justifies geometric constructions
made using compass and straightedge, reflection devices, and other appropriate
technologies.
VI.020.D. The beginning teacher understands how learning may be enhanced
through the use of manipulatives, technology, and other tools.
Geometry TEKS
b.2.A. The student uses constructions to explore attributes of geometric figures
and to make conjectures about geometric relationships.
Materials: The Geometer’s Sketchpad program, sample sketch: Unit 1-Sample Sketch
Procedures:
It is important that the presenter guide the participants through the first few Sketchpad training
units. Remember to keep the pace of the activity slow, with the understanding that many of the
participants will be unfamiliar with the technology. Adjust the pace of the units as needed.
Extension activities are included in some units to allow for differentiation. Every participant
may not complete every unit. For an intensive tutorial on the use of Sketchpad see Region IV
ESC Geometer’s Sketchpad Tutorial at http://www.esc4.net/math/sketchpadtutorial. Macintosh
users need to use the menu commands in places where PC users use the right click shortcut. The
first unit will provide the presenter with an informal assessment of participants’ ability with the
technology.
Part A
The presenter guides participants through a tour of the menus and tools of Sketchpad.
Participants should have access to the Sketchpad program to participate in the tour with the
presenter.
Part B
The presenter guides the participants through the setup of a multi-page document. Participants
perform two very important constructions with the software, a line parallel to another line
through a point and a line perpendicular to a line through a point. Use the Unit 1-Sample Sketch
as a model for participants.
Geometry Unit GS-1

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Meet Geometer’s Sketchpad
Part C
The presenter guides participants through the creation of a happy face. The purpose of this
activity is to apply the tools of Sketchpad in a fun manner. Participants draw elementary
geometric figures which require a basic knowledge of the tools of Sketchpad. Use the Unit 1-
Sample Sketch as a model for participants.
Geometry Unit GS-2

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Meet Geometer’s Sketchpad
Part A
Menu bar
Tool bar
The File menu contains the

commands to open a new sketch,
open a file, save a sketch, document
options, and print options.
The Documents options command is

important when planning a new sketch.
Sketchpad version 4 allows a user to
create multiple page documents.
The Edit menu contains basic editing

commands as well as Action Buttons
command, which allows users to
enhance the interactivity of the
sketch.
Geometry Unit GS-3

The Preferences command is

important when beginning a
sketch. It allows users to control
the units, color, and text settings of
a sketch.
The Display menu contains commands for

controlling the look of a sketch. A user can
control the width of a line, the color of an
object, hide or show objects, trace objects,
and hide and show the text editing toolbar.
The Construct menu contains

commands for constructing
geometric objects.
Geometry Unit GS-4

The Transform menu contains

commands for transforming
geometric objects.
The Measure menu contains

commands for measuring
geometric objects and the
calculate command for
performing calculations.
The Graph menu

contains commands
for setting the type
of grid, plotting
points and functions,
defining parameters,
creating tables, and
working with
functions.
Geometry Unit GS-5

The Window menu contains commands

that allow the user to control the
appearance of the windows. The Help
menu provides access to Sketchpad’s
extensive help menu. Users will find the
Help menu extremely valuable.
Use the Selection Arrow tool to select objects, rotate objects, and
translate objects. To change the Selection Arrow tool, click and hold
on the arrow, then select the desired tool. The most commonly used
tool is the arrow, or Selection Arrow. Remember to click on the
Selection Arrow tool whenever you finish drawing an object. Pressing
the ESC key is a shortcut to picking up the Selection Arrow tool.
Draw a few points and then press the ESC

key to select the arrow tool and deselect all
objects. Click on a few points to select them
and then select hide points from the display
menu. Select show all hidden from the
display menu. Finally select the points by
Use the Point tool to draw clicking and dragging the selection arrow to
points, and intersections. create a box around the points then press
delete to delete them (see figure below).
Use the Selection Arrow to select points.
Geometry Unit GS-6

Use the Compass tool to draw circles.
Draw a circle and then press the ESC key to select the arrow
tool. Participants should click and drag the radius point to
manipulate the size of the circle. Determine how to move the
circle without changing the size of the circle.
Draw a few segments, rays and

lines and then press the ESC
key to select the arrow tool.
Click and drag various points
Use the Straightedge tool to to change the length and
draw segments, rays, and lines. direction of the segments and
Click and hold on the the direction of the rays and
Straightedge tool to select the lines.
Segment, Ray, or Line tool.
Use the Text tool to label objects or to create textboxes.
Label the endpoints of a segment you have drawn. Label

the segment itself. Double click a label and change the
label (see figure below).
Geometry Unit GS-7

The Custom tool allows users to

create tools specific to a sketch to
simplify tasks and activities.
Part B
Open The Geometer’s

Sketchpad.
From the File menu,
choose New Sketch.
From the File menu,
choose Document Options.
Name the first page
Parallel, then click Add
Page, choose Blank Page
and name that page
Perpendicular.
Click OK.
From the Edit menu

choose Preferences.
Make sure that the
settings are what you
want, then click OK.
Geometry Unit GS-8

Click on the Parallel tab in

the lower left-hand section
of the window to select the
Parallel page.
Use the Straightedge tool to
draw a line (hold down Shift
while drawing to draw a
horizontal line).
Use the Point tool to draw a
point not on the line.
Press ESC.
Select the line and the point not on the

line.
From the Construct menu, choose
Parallel Line.
Geometry Unit GS-9

Click on the Perpendicular tab

at the lower left hand section
of the window to select the
Perpendicular page.
Use the Straightedge tool to

draw a line (hold down Shift
while drawing to draw a
horizontal line).
Use the Point tool to draw a
point not on the line.
Press ESC.
Geometry Unit GS-10

Select the line and the point not

on the line.
From the Construct menu,
choose Perpendicular Line.
Part C
From the File menu, choose

Document Options.
Click Add Page, choose
Blank Page, then name the
new page Happy Face.
Click OK.
Draw a circle.
Draw a vertical line through the center.
Draw a triangle for the right eye using the
Segment tool to construct three segments.
Press ESC to deselect all objects.
Select the three vertices of the triangles.
From the Construct menu, choose Triangle
Interior.
Press ESC.
Geometry Unit GS-11

Double click the vertical line.

Select all vertices, edges, and
the interior of the triangle.
From the Transform menu,
choose Reflect.
Press ESC.
Draw a small circle centered at the original

circle center.
Select the circle.
From the Construct menu, choose Circle
Interior.
Press ESC.
Right click on the circle interior and
choose Color (or choose Color from the
Display menu) to change the color.
Draw two overlapping circles as

shown in the figure at left.
Select both circles.
Intersections.
Geometry Unit GS-12

Select the points of intersection in

a counter-clockwise order and
then select one of the circles.
Arc on Circle.
Repeat the previous steps with the
other circle.
Select the line and the two circles used to form

the mouth.
From the Display menu, choose Hide Path
Objects.
Select the Point tool.
From the Edit menu, choose Select All Points.
From the Display menu, choose Hide Points.
Geometry Unit GS-13

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Transformations

Transformations
Overview: In this unit, participants learn various techniques for performing transformations and
creating interactive sketches to explore the properties of transformations.

III.012.E The beginning teacher describes and justifies geometric constructions made
using compass and straightedge, reflection devices, and other appropriate technologies.
III.012.F. The beginning teacher demonstrates an understanding of the use of appropriate
software to explore attributes of geometric figures and to make and evaluate conjectures
about geometric relationships.
III.014.A. The beginning teacher identifies transformations (i.e., reflections, translations,
glide-reflections, rotations, dilations) and explores their properties.
V.019.E. The beginning teacher understands the use of visual media, such as graphs,
tables, diagrams, and animations, to communicate mathematical information.
VI.020.D. The beginning teacher understands how learning may be enhanced through the
use of manipulatives, technology, and other tools.
Geometry TEKS
b.2.A. The student uses constructions to explore attributes of geometric figures and to
make conjectures about geometric relationships.
b.2.B. The student makes and verifies conjectures about angles, lines, polygons, circles,
and three-dimensional figures, choosing from a variety of approaches such as coordinate,
transformational, or axiomatic.
b.3.D. The student uses inductive reasoning to formulate a conjecture.
e.2.A. Based on explorations and using concrete models, the student formulates and tests
conjectures about the properties of parallel and perpendicular lines.
e.3.A. The student uses congruence transformations to make conjectures and justify
properties of geometric figures.
f.1. The student uses similarity properties and transformations to explore and justify
conjectures about geometric figures.
Materials: The Geometer’s Sketchpad program, sample sketches: Unit 2-Sample Sketch 1, Unit 2-
Sample Sketch 2, and Unit 2-Sample Sketch 3
Procedures:
When directions require participants to select an object in The Geometer’s Sketchpad (for example, to
select ∆ABC ), the participant should select all vertices, sides, and, if appropriate, the interior of the
triangle.
Journal prompts are included for participants to record observations and explanations for many of the
investigations.
Geometry Unit GS-14

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Transformations
Part A
The presenter guides participants through various methods of performing transformations in The
Geometer’s Sketchpad. These methods increase the interactivity of the sketch and allow students to use
inductive reasoning to formulate conjectures. Participants work through the Unit 2-Sample Sketch 1
beginning with the introduction page and move through the pages in order.
Part B
Participants use their knowledge of translations and The Geometer’s Sketchpad to create an interactive
sketch that will allow their students to formulate conjectures about the properties of translations. Use
the Unit 2-Sample Sketch 2 to model a sample final product for participants.
Part C
Participants investigate the Unit 2-Sample Sketch 3 and respond to the journal prompts.
Geometry Unit GS-15

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Transformations
Part A
Work through the pages in the Unit 2-Sample Sketch 1 beginning with the introduction page and move
through the pages in order.
Part B
Create a sketch that students can use to investigate the properties of a translation.
Start The Geometer’s

Sketchpad.
Open a new sketch.
From the Graph menu,
choose Show Grid.
From the Graph menu,
choose Snap Points.
Draw a polygon in the first

quadrant.
Label the vertices of the
polygon.
Select the vertices of the
polygon.
From the Construct menu,
choose Polygon Interior.
Measure the coordinates of the
vertices of the polygon.
Measure the side lengths of the
polygon by selecting the
endpoints then from the
Measure menu choose
Distance.
Geometry Unit GS-16

Draw a translation vector GH .

Select G then H.
From the Transform menu, choose Mark
Vector.
Select the polygon.
From the Transform menu, choose Translate.
Click on the Marked Vector button.
Click Translate.
Measure the coordinates, side lengths and area
of the image. (To measure the area, click on the
polygon interior then choose Area from the
Measure menu.)
Click ESC.
Measure the area of the pre-image.
Use the Segment tool to draw the segments
connecting corresponding vertices of the pre-
image and image.
Journal Entry
Record your observations and explanations for the following:
Drag the vertices of the pre-image or image.
Drag H, the endpoint of the translation vector.
Part C
Investigation of the angles formed when parallel lines are cut by a transversal.
Geometry Unit GS-17

Journal Entry
Click the Translate button.
Drag A, B, C, D.
Geometry Unit GS-18

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Triangles and Quadrilaterals

Triangles and Quadrilaterals
Overview: In this unit, participants construct points of concurrency for triangles and create
interactive sketches to explore the properties of points of concurrency and quadrilaterals.

III.011.A. The beginning teacher applies dimensional analysis to derive units and
formulas in a variety of situations (e.g., rates of change of one variable with respect to
another) and to find and evaluate solutions to problems.
III.012.E. The beginning teacher describes and justifies geometric constructions made
III.013.A. The beginning teacher analyzes the properties of polygons and their
components.
III.013.C. The beginning teacher uses geometric patterns and properties (e.g., similarity,
congruence) to make generalizations about two- and three-dimensional figures and
shapes (e.g., relationships of sides, angles).
III.014.C. The beginning teacher uses transformations to explore and describe
reflectional, rotational, and translational symmetry.
III.014.E. The beginning teacher applies concepts and properties of slope, midpoint,
parallelism, perpendicularity, and distance to explore properties of geometric figures and
solve problems in the coordinate plane.
V.018.D. The beginning teacher uses formal and informal reasoning to justify
mathematical ideas.
Geometry TEKS
b.2.B. The student makes and verifies conjectures about angles, lines, polygons, circles,
and three-dimensional figures, choosing from a variety of approaches such as coordinate,
transformational, or axiomatic.
b.3.B. The student constructs and justifies statements about geometric figures and their
properties.
c.1. The student uses numeric and geometric patterns to make generalizations about
geometric properties, including properties to polygons, ratios in similar figures and
solids, and angle relationships in polygons and circles.
d.2.C. The student develops and uses formulas including distance and midpoint.
e.2.B. Based on explorations and using concrete models, the student formulates and tests
conjectures about the properties and attributes of polygons and their component parts.
Geometry Unit GS-19

Materials: The Geometer’s Sketchpad program, sample sketches: Unit 3-Sample Sketch 1, Unit 3-
Sample Sketch 2
Procedures:
Journal entry prompts are included at the end of Part A and Part B. Participants may wish to complete
journal entries as they progress through each investigation.
Part A
Participants use their knowledge of The Geometer’s Sketchpad to create a multi-page sketch that allows
their students to formulate conjectures about points of concurrency in triangles. Participants should be
able to apply their knowledge gained in previous The Geometer’s Sketchpad training activities and
require less guidance in the creation of this sketch. Use the Unit 3-Sample Sketch 1 to model a sample
final product for participants.
Part B
their students to formulate conjectures about properties of quadrilaterals. Participants should be able to
apply their knowledge gained in previous The Geometer’s Sketchpad training activities and require less
guidance in the creation of this sketch. Use the Unit 3-Sample Sketch 2 to model a sample final product
for participants.
Part C
Use the quadrilateral that you selected in the Unit 4 – Informal Logic/Deductive Reasoning, Alternate
Definitions activity. Use two of the properties to construct the quadrilateral with The Geometer’s
Sketchpad. Drag any one of the figure’s vertices and it should remain that figure, i.e. a rectangle
remains a rectangle. The figure chosen for the sample construction is a rectangle.
The two properties chosen are that opposite sides of a rectangle are parallel and consecutive sides of a
rectangle are perpendicular.
Geometry Unit GS-20

Draw a segment AB .
Construct a line parallel to AB through C not on the
segment.
Construct lines perpendicular to AB through the
endpoints of AB .
Construct intersections D and E.
Draw AD , DE , and EB . Hide AD , BE , DE and C.
Drag vertices A, B, D, or E to show that ABDE remains a
rectangle.
Geometry Unit GS-21

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Triangles and Quadrilaterals
Part A
Create a multi-page sketch that allows students to formulate conjectures about points of concurrency in
triangles. Apply your knowledge gained in previous Sketchpad training activities to create this sketch.
Use the Unit 3-Sample Sketch 1 as a guide.
Start Sketchpad.
Open a new sketch.
Use the Document Options command to
create a six page document with page titles
Introduction, Incenter, Circumcenter,
Orthocenter, Centroid, and Euler Line.
Click on the Introduction tab.
Create a set of instructions for the activity.
(These can be modified later.)
Click on the Incenter tab.

Draw a triangle.
Construct the angle bisectors of each angle of
the triangle.
Use the Arrow tool to click on the intersection
of the angle bisectors to construct a point of
intersection called the incenter.
Label the vertices of the triangle and the
incenter.
Construct a perpendicular line to a side
through the incenter.
Construct the point of intersection of the side
and the perpendicular line.
Draw a segment from the incenter to the point
of intersection just created.
Hide the perpendicular line.
Label the segment just drawn radius.
Construct the inscribed circle, using the
incenter as the center and the segment labeled
radius as the radius.
Measure the distances from the incenter to the
sides of the triangle.
Write instructions.
Create Hide/Show action buttons for the angle
bisectors, the inscribed circle, and the
measurements.
Create a link action button that will link back
to the introduction page.
Geometry Unit GS-22

Click on the Circumcenter tab.

Draw a triangle.
Construct the midpoints of the sides of the
triangle.
Construct the perpendicular bisector to each
side of the triangle.
of the perpendicular bisectors to construct a
point of intersection called the circumcenter.
circumcenter.
Draw a segment from the circumcenter to a
vertex.
Label the segment just drawn radius.
Construct the circumscribed circle, using the
circumcenter as the center and the segment
labeled radius as the radius.
Measure the distances from the circumcenter
to the vertices of the triangle.
Write instructions.
Create Hide/Show action buttons for the
perpendicular bisectors, the circumscribed
circle, and the measurements.
Click on the Orthocenter tab.

Draw a triangle.
Construct the altitude to each side of the
triangle.
of the altitudes to construct a point of
intersection called the orthocenter.
orthocenter.
Draw the segments from the orthocenter to
each vertex of the triangle creating three small
triangles.
Construct the altitude to each side of each of
the small triangles formed.
Write instructions.
Create Hide/Show action buttons for both sets
of altitudes and the segments connecting the
orthocenter to the vertices of the triangle.
Create a link action button that will link back
to the introduction page.
Geometry Unit GS-23

Click on the Centroid tab.

Draw a triangle.
Construct the medians to each side of the
triangle.
Use the Arrow tool to click on the
intersection of the medians to construct a
point of intersection called the centroid.
centroid.
Hide the medians.
Draw segments from the centroid to the
midpoints of the sides of the triangle.
Draw segments from the centroid to each
vertex of the triangle.
Construct the interiors of the six small
triangles formed by the medians of the
triangle.
Measure the areas of these triangles.
Calculate the ratio of the lengths of the
segments formed by the centroid on the
median (length of long segment to length of
short segment).
Write instructions.
medians and the measurements.
Click on the Euler Line tab.

Draw and label a triangle.
Construct the incenter, the circumcenter, the
orthocenter, and the centroid of the triangle
and label them.
Hide all construction lines and points except
for the triangle and points of concurrency.
Construct the Euler Line by constructing a
line through the orthocenter and the
circumcenter and label it.
Calculate the ratio of the distance from the
orthocenter to the centroid to the distance
from the centroid to the circumcenter.
Measure the lengths of the sides of the
triangle and measure its angles.
Write instructions.
points of concurrency, the Euler Line, and
the measurements.
Create a link action button that will link
back to the introduction page.
Geometry Unit GS-24

Journal Entry
Incenter
Drag the vertices of the triangle and investigate the location and properties of the incenter.
Circumcenter
Drag the vertices of the triangle and investigate the location and properties of the circumcenter.
Orthocenter
Drag the vertices of the triangle and investigate the location and properties of the orthocenter.
Centroid
Drag the vertices of the triangle and investigate the location and properties of the centroid.
Explain why the areas of the triangles formed by the medians are equal.
Euler Line
Is there a triangle where all of the points of concurrency are on the Euler Line?
Is there a triangle where the points of concurrency are in the same location?
Part B
Create a multi-page sketch that will allow students to formulate conjectures about points of concurrency
in triangles. Apply your knowledge gained in previous The Geometer’s Sketchpad training activities to
create this sketch. Use the Unit 3-Sample Sketch 2 as a guide.
Start The Geometer’s Sketchpad.

Open a new sketch.
Use the Document Options command to
create a five page document with page
titles; Instructions, Right Triangle
Reflections, Acute/Obtuse Triangle
Reflections, Rotate a Triangle, and
Truncate a Triangle Vertex.
Click on the Instructions tab.
Create a set of instructions for the
activity. (These can be modified later.)
Geometry Unit GS-25

Click on the Right Triangle Reflections

tab.
Construct right ∆ABC with right angle
B.
Reflect A, AC and AB over the line that
contains BC .
Draw A′B and A′C .
Reflect C, BC , AC , and AC ' over the
line that contains A and A′ .
Draw AC ′ , BC ′ , and A′C ′ .
Create Hide/Show buttons to hide
∆A′BC , ∆AC ′A′ .
Name the buttons “Reflect triangle ABC
over the line containing B and C” and
“Reflect triangle ACA′ over the line
containing A and A′ ”.
Measure all segment lengths and all
angles of the quadrilateral.
constructed triangles and the
measurements.
Click on the Acute/Obtuse Triangle

Reflections tab.
Construct ∆ABC .
Reflect A over the line that contains
BC .
Draw A′C and A′B .
Draw AA′ and label D the intersection
of the diagonals.
Create a Hide/Show button to hide
∆A′BC .
Name the button “Reflect triangle ABC
over the line containing B and C.”
Measure all segment lengths and all
angles of the quadrilateral.
constructed triangles and the
measurements.
Geometry Unit GS-26

Click on the Rotate a Triangle tab.

Construct ∆ABC .
Construct midpoint D of AB .
Construct a Circle P and a line through the
center of the circle.
Construct the points of intersection, Q and
R of the line and the circle.
Construct point S on Circle P.
Select ∠QPS then from the Transform
menu choose Mark Angle.
Use the rotation by marked angle technique
discussed in Unit 2 to rotate ∆ABC by the
measure of ∠QPS .
Create a Move button to move the angle of
rotation to 180 .
− Select point S.
− Select point R.
− From the Edit menu, choose
Action Button then Movement.
Name the button “Rotate triangle ABC 180
degrees about the midpoint of segment AB.”
Hide Circle P points Q and R and QR .
Create another Move button to move S back
to point Q. Name it “Reset.”
Draw C ′C .
Measure all segment lengths and all angles
of the quadrilateral.
measurements.
Geometry Unit GS-27

Click on the Truncate a Triangle Vertex

tab.
Construct ABC using line width as
dashed.
Construct D on AB .
Construct a line parallel to AC through D.
Construct E, the intersection of BC and the
parallel line.
Hide the parallel line.
Draw AD , select AD and switch line
width to thick.
Draw DE and EC
Switch AC to line width thick.
Measure all segment lengths and all angles
of the quadrilateral.
Calculate the ratios of the lengths of the
non-parallel sides of the trapezoid to their
corresponding lengths of the sides of the
triangle.
Calculate the ratios of the lengths of the
sides of the smaller triangle to the
corresponding lengths of the sides of the
larger triangle.
Drag A, B, or C to change the triangle.
Drag D to change the trapezoid.
Part C
Use the quadrilateral that you selected in the Unit 4 – Informal Logic/Deductive Reasoning, Alternate
Definitions activity. Use two of the properties to construct the quadrilateral with Sketchpad. Drag a
vertex of one of the figures and it should remain that figure, i.e., a rectangle remains a rectangle.
Journal Entry
Record your observations and explanations for each of the quadrilateral investigations.
Drag the vertices of the quadrilateral to verify the properties of the quadrilaterals.
Geometry Unit GS-28

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Area and Perimeter

Area and Perimeter
Overview: In this unit, participants create interactive sketches to explore algebraic function
connections with perimeter and area.

II.005.A. The beginning teacher understands when a relation is a function.
II.006.G. The beginning teacher models and solves problems involving linear and
quadratic equations and inequalities using a variety of methods, including technology.
III.011.B. The beginning teacher applies formulas for perimeter, area, surface area, and
volume of geometric figures and shapes (e.g., polygons, pyramids, prisms, cylinders,
cones, spheres) to solve problems.
III.011.C. The beginning teacher recognizes the effects on length, area, or volume when
the linear dimensions of plane figures or solids are changed.
V.019.A. The beginning teacher recognizes and uses multiple representations of a
mathematical concept (e.g., a point and its coordinates, the area of a circle as a quadratic
function of the radius, probability as the ratio of two areas, area of a plane region as a
definite integral).
Geometry TEKS
e.1.A. The student finds area of regular polygons and composite figures.
Materials: The Geometer’s Sketchpad program, sample sketches: Unit 4-Sample Sketch 1
Procedures:
their students to make algebraic connections using the geometric concepts of area and perimeter.
Participants should be able to apply their knowledge gained in previous The Geometer’s Sketchpad
training activities and require less guidance in the creation of this sketch. Use the Unit 4-Sample Sketch
1 to model a sample final product for participants.
Geometry Unit GS-29

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Area and Perimeter
Create a multi-page sketch that will allow students to make algebraic connections using the geometric
concepts of area and perimeter. Apply your knowledge gained in previous The Geometer’s Sketchpad
training activities to create this sketch. Use the Unit 4-Sample Sketch 1 as a guide.

Open a new sketch.
Use the Document Options
command to create a four page
document with page titles;
Introduction, Perimeter vs. Length
of Long Side, Area vs. Length of
Long Side, Area vs. Perimeter.
Create Link buttons for each page.
Create a set of instructions for the
activity. (These can be modified
later.)
Click on the Perimeter vs. Length of

Long Side tab.
To construct a rectangle with
length of short side 1
= :
length of long side 2
From the Graph menu choose Grid
Form, then select Rectangular.
Construct AD .
Construct midpoint M of AD .
Construct a line perpendicular to AD
through A and a line perpendicular to
AD through D.
Construct a circle centered at A with
radius AM.
Use the Arrow tool to construct the
intersection, B, of the circle and the
perpendicular line.
Construct a line parallel to AD through
B.
Construct the intersection, C, of the
parallel line and the perpendicular line
through D.
Draw segments AB , BC , and CD .
Geometry Unit GS-30

To animate the rectangle based on AD :

Draw AL beginning at A and
containing D longer than AD .
Select D and AL .
From the Edit menu, choose Merge
Point to Segment.
Select D.
From the Edit menu, choose Action
Button, then select Animation.
Make sure the message states: Point D
bidirectionally on segment at medium
speed.
Click OK.
Label the button “Change AD.”
To generate the plot of a function

Perimeter of rectangle ABCD vs. AD:
Hide all construction lines and
points except rectangle ABCD and
its vertices.
Construct rectangle interior ABCD.
Measure AD.
Select the rectangle interior and
measure the perimeter of ABCD.
Select the rectangle interior and
measure the area of ABCD.
Select the measurement for AD
then the measurement for the
Perimeter of ABCD.
From the Graph menu, choose Plot
As (x, y).
Label the plotted point (AD,
Perimeter ABCD).
From the Display menu, choose
Trace Plotted Point.
Drag the unit points on the x and y-
axes closer to origin to see more of
the coordinate system.
Add instructions.
Create a link button back to the
introduction page.
From the Edit menu, choose Select
All.
From the Edit menu, choose Copy.
Determine the function rule and
plot it.
Geometry Unit GS-31
Click on the Area vs. Length of Long

Side tab.
From the Edit menu, choose Paste.
Delete the point (AD, Perimeter
ABCD).
Select the measurement for IJ then the
measurement for the Area of IKLJ.
From the Graph menu, choose Plot As
(x, y).
Label the plotted point (IJ, Area
IKLJ).
From the Display menu, choose Trace
Plotted Point.
Modify the instructions to address this
sketch.
introduction page.
From the Edit menu, choose Select
All.
From the Edit menu, choose Copy.
Determine the function rule and plot
it.
Click on the Area vs. Perimeter tab.

From the Edit menu, choose Paste.
Delete the point (IJ, Area IKLJ).
Select the measurement for
Perimeter MNOP then the
measurement for the Area MNOP.
From the Graph menu, choose Plot
As (x, y).
Label the plotted point (Perimeter
MNOP, Area MNOP).
From the Display menu, choose
Trace Plotted Point.
Modify the instructions to address
this sketch.
introduction page.
Determine the function rule and plot
it.
Journal Entry
Record your observations and explanations for the area investigations.
Explain why the perimeter function is linear, and the area functions are quadratic in terms of the
geometry of the figures.
Geometry Unit GS-32

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Pythagorean Theorem

Pythagorean Theorem
Overview: In this unit, participants create interactive sketches to investigate the Pythagorean
Theorem and explore sketches that are included with The Geometer’s Sketchpad
program.

II.006.G. The beginning teacher models and solves problems involving linear and
quadratic equations and inequalities using a variety of methods, including technology.
III.014.C. The beginning teacher uses transformations to explore and describe
reflectional, rotational, and transformational symmetry.
Geometry TEKS
b.3.A. The student determines if the converse of a conditional statement is true or false.
e.1.C. The student develops, extends, and uses the Pythagorean Theorem.
Materials: The Geometer’s Sketchpad program, sample sketches: Unit 5 - Sample Sketch 1,
The Geometer’s Sketchpad sketch: Pythagoras.
Procedures:
Part A
Participants use their knowledge of The Geometer’s Sketchpad to create a sketch that allows their
students to investigate the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse. Participants should be able to apply
their knowledge gained in previous The Geometer’s Sketchpad training activities and require less
guidance in the creation of this sketch. Use the Unit 5-Sample Sketch 1 to model a sample final product
for participants.
Part B
Participants explore some of the sample sketches that come with the The Geometer’s Sketchpad
software.
Geometry Unit GS-33

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Pythagorean Theorem
Apply your knowledge gained in previous The Geometer’s Sketchpad training activities to create this
sketch. Use the Unit 5-Sample Sketch 1 as a guide.

Open a new sketch.
2. Select a and B. From From the Graph menu, choose
the Transform Menu, Show Grid.
choose Rotate, type From the Graph menu, choose Snap
90 for the measure Points.
and click Rotate. Draw right ∆ABC .
Use rotations to construct squares
from the side lengths of the squares:
− Double-click on C to mark C as
1. Double-click on C to mark the center of rotation.
C as the center of rotation. − Select a and B.
− From the Transform menu,
choose Rotate, type 90 for the
angle measure, and click Rotate.
Remember that positive angles are
counter-clockwise rotations.
Repeat this process until you have
constructed a square from each side
of the triangle.
Geometry Unit GS-34

Construct the square interiors.

Measure ∠ACB .
Measure lengths a, b, c.
Calculate a 2 + b2 and c 2 .
Measure the areas of the three squares.
Calculate the sum of areas of the two smaller
squares.
Create instructions.
Hide grid.
Journal Entry
Record your observations and explanations for the Pythagorean Theorem investigation.
Explain what occurs when you drag B vertically or drag A horizontally to change the dimensions of
the right triangle.
Explain what occurs when you drag B horizontally to change the measure of ∠ABC .
Geometry Unit GS-35

Part B
Explore some of the sample sketches that come with The Geometer’s Sketchpad software.

Click File - Open.
Select Local Disk (C:).
Double click the Program Files folder.
Double click the Sketchpad folder.
Double click the Samples folder.
Double click the Sketchpad folder.
Double click the Sketches folder.
Double click the Geometry folder.
Double click Pythagoras.gsp
Explore these sketches.
Journal Entry
Choose one of the sample Pythagoras sketches and explain how it proves the Pythagorean Theorem.
Geometry Unit GS-36

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Polygons

Polygons
Overview: In this unit, participants create activity pages for a The Geometer’s Sketchpad Sketch and
create a sketch that will allow students to investigate the sum of the exterior angles of a
polygon.

III.013.C. The beginning teacher uses geometric patterns and properties (e.g., similarity,
congruence) to make generalizations about two- and three-dimensional figures and
shapes (e.g., relationships of sides, angles).
Geometry TEKS
geometric properties, including properties of polygons, ratios in similar figures and
e.2.B. Based on explorations and using concrete models, the student formulates and tests
conjectures about the properties and attributes of polygons and their component parts.
Materials: The Geometer’s Sketchpad program, sample sketches: Unit 6 - Sample Sketch 1, Unit 6 -
Sample Sketch 2.
Procedures:
Part A
Participants investigate Unit 6-Sample Sketch 1 and respond to the journal entry prompts at the end of
Part A.
Part B
Participants use their knowledge of Sketchpad to create a sketch that allows their students to investigate
the sum of the exterior angles of a regular polygon. Participants should be able to apply their knowledge
gained in previous Sketchpad training activities and require less guidance in the creation of this sketch.
Use the Unit 6-Sample Sketch 2 to model a sample final product for participants.
Geometry Unit GS-37

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Polygons
Part A
Journal Entry
Describe what happens to the area of the inscribed polygon as the number of sides of the polygon
increase. Explain.
Investigate the angle measures, segment lengths, perimeters, and areas of the inscribed polygons as
the number of sides increases. Describe the relationships in any algebraic rules you develop.
Geometry Unit GS-38

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Polygons
Part B
Create a sketch that will allow students to investigate the sum of the exterior angles of a regular
polygon. Use the Unit 6-Sample Sketch 2 as a guide.

Open a new sketch.
Construct circle O.
Rename the sizing point Z.
Construct A on circle O.
Double click O to mark it as a
center of rotation.
Select A and rotate it 120 about
O.
Rename A′ to B.
Select B and rotate it 120 about
O.
Rename B′ to C.
Construct AB , BC , and CA .
Construct F on CA , G on AB ,
and H on BC , all outside the
circle.
Measure ∠FAB , ∠GBC , and
∠HCA .
Calculate the sum of the three
angle measures.
Draw OL , with L outside the
circle.
Merge Z onto OL .
Create an animation button to
animate Z bidirectionally on OL .
Name the button Change Circle
Radius.
Hide the segment portion of OL
and endpoint L.
Rename Z to Drag to Change
Circle Radius.
Draw any inscribed polygon of
your choice and repeat this
process.
Journal Entry
Record your observations and explanations for the investigation.
Geometry Unit GS-39

Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Fractals

Fractals
Overview: In this unit, participants construct the Sierpinski Triangle and investigate the relationships
which emerge from the construction.

II.008.A. The beginning teacher recognizes and translates among various representations
(e.g., written, numerical, tabular, graphical, algebraic) of exponential and logarithmic
functions.
III.012.D. The beginning teacher uses properties of congruence and similarity to explore
geometric relationships, justify conjectures, and prove theorems.
V.019.E. The beginning teacher understands the use of visual media , such as graphs,
Geometry TEKS
geometric properties, including properties of polygons, ratios in similar figures and
c.2. The student uses properties of transformations and their compositions to make
connections between mathematics and the real world in applications such as tessellations
or fractals.
f.2. The student uses ratios to solve problems involving similar figures.
Materials: The Geometer’s Sketchpad program, sample sketches: Unit 7 - Sample Sketch 1,
Sketchpad sketch, Fractal Gallery
Procedures:
Geometry Unit GS-40

Part A
Explain to participants that a fractal is an object or quantity, which displays self-similarity on all scales.
The logarithmic spiral constructed in the Similarity Unit is an example of a fractal, as is the Sierpinski
Triangle that will be constructed in this activity.
Participants will use their knowledge of The Geometer’s Sketchpad to create a sketch to investigate a
fractal called the Sierpinski Triangle. Use the Unit 7 - Sample Sketch 1 to model a sample final product
for participants.
Participants should answer one or more of the following questions following the construction of the
Sierpinski Triangle sketch.
The figures below illustrate Stages 1 – 3 of the Sierpinski Triangle.

A A A
F E F E
C C
B C B D
B D
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3

Use the sketch to determine the following functional relationships. Assume that the length of a side in
the stage 0 triangle is 1 unit.
The total number of non-overlapping triangles versus the stage number.

f ( n ) = 3 n −1
1. The side length of the smallest triangle in a stage versus the stage number.
n −1
⎛1⎞
f (n) = ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠
The total number of sides of non-overlapping triangles versus the stage number.
f (n) = 3 n
2. The sum of the lengths of all segments versus the stage number.
9 27
3+ + + ...
2 4
The perimeter of the Sierpinski Triangle at the nth stage, as n approaches infinity, approaches
infinity.
3. The area of the smallest triangle in a stage versus the stage number.
3 3 3
, , ,...
4 16 64
The area of the Sierpinski Triangle at the nth stage, as n approaches infinity, approaches zero.
Geometry Unit GS-41

Part B
Participants explore the Fractal Gallery sketch that is included in The Geometer’s Sketchpad software.
Participants respond to the journal entry prompts at the end of Part B.
Geometry Unit GS-42

Activity Page: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Fractals
Part A
Create a sketch to investigate the properties of the Sierpinski Triangle fractal.

• Start The Geometer’s Sketchpad.
• Open a new sketch.
• Use the segment tool to construct ∆ABC .
• Construct midpoints D, E, and F.
• Select A, B, and C.
• From the Transform menu choose Iterate.
• Click on F, B, then D to map
A ⇒ F , B ⇒ B, C ⇒ D . (Don’t click
Iterate yet.)
Geometry Unit GS-43

• Click on Structure and select

Add New Map.
• Click on E, D, then C to map
A ⇒ E , B ⇒ D, C ⇒ C .
• Click on Structure and select
Add New Map.
• Click on A, F, then E to map
A ⇒ A, B ⇒ F , C ⇒ E .
• Click Iterate.
Geometry Unit GS-44

• With your completed

iteration selected you can
increase or decrease the
number of displayed
iterations by pressing the + or
– key on the keyboard.
• If you could iterate an infinite
number of times, the result
would be a Sierpinski
Triangle.
The figures below illustrate Stages 1 – 3 of the Sierpinski Triangle.

A A A
F E F E
C C
B C B D
B D
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Use the sketch to determine the following functional relationships. Assume that the length of a side in
the stage 1 triangle is 1 unit.
The total number of non-overlapping triangles versus the stage number
The side length of the smallest triangle in a stage versus the stage number
The total number of sides of non-overlapping triangles versus the stage number
The sum of the lengths of all segments versus the stage number
The area of the smallest triangle in a stage versus the stage number
Geometry Unit GS-45

Part B
Explore the Fractal Gallery sketch that is included in The Geometer’s Sketchpad software.
• Start The Geometer’s
Sketchpad.
• Click File - Open.
• Select Local Disk (C:).
• Double click the Program
Files folder.
• Double click the Sketchpad
folder.
• Double click the Samples
folder.
• Double click the Sketchpad
folder.
• Double click the Sketches
folder.
• Double click the Geometry
folder.
• Double click Fractal
Gallery.gsp
Journal Entry
Choose one of the sample Fractal Gallery sketches and explain how it relates to the concepts
investigated in Part A.
Geometry Unit GS-46

Supplemental Material: Geometer’s Sketchpad References and Additional Resources
References and Additional Resources
Bennett, D. (2004). Exploring geometry with The Geometer's Sketchpad. Emeryville, CA:
Key Curriculum Press.
Bennett, D. (2004). Pythagoras plugged in: Proofs and problems for The Geometer's
Sketchpad. Emeryville, CA: Key Curriculum Press.
Cuoco, A. (1994). Technology tips: Technology in perspective. Mathematics Teacher,
87(6), 450-452.
de Villiers, M. (2004). Rethinking proof with The Geometer's Sketchpad. Emeryville, CA:
Key Curriculum Press.
Kimberling, C. (2004). Geometry in action: A discovery approach using the Geometer’s
Sketchpad. Emeryville, CA: Key Curriculum Press.
Peitgen, H., Jurgens, H. and Saupe, D. (1992). Fractals for the classroom, New York:
Springer-Verlag.
Region IV Education Service Center (2003). Region IV ESC Geometer’s Sketchpad
tutorial. Retrieved April 15, 2004, from Region IV Education Service Center:
http://www.esc4.net/math/sketchpadtutorial
Serra, M. (2003). Discovering geometry: An investigative approach (3rd ed.). Emeryville,
CA: Key Curriculum Press.
Geometry Unit GS-47

The Geometer's Sketchpad Unit 1

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Trainer/Instructor Notes: Geometer’s Sketchpad Training Meet Geometer’s Sketchpad

The Geometer’s Sketchpad Unit 1

Objective: TExES Mathematics Competencies

Geometry Unit GS-1

Geometry Unit GS-2

The File menu contains the

The Documents options command is

The Edit menu contains basic editing

Geometry Unit GS-3

The Preferences command is

The Display menu contains commands for

The Construct menu contains

Geometry Unit GS-4

The Transform menu contains

The Measure menu contains

The Graph menu

Geometry Unit GS-5

The Window menu contains commands

Draw a few points and then press the ESC

Geometry Unit GS-6

Use the Compass tool to draw circles.

Draw a few segments, rays and

Use the Text tool to label objects or to create textboxes.

Label the endpoints of a segment you have drawn. Label

Geometry Unit GS-7

The Custom tool allows users to

 Open The Geometer’s

 From the Edit menu

Geometry Unit GS-8

 Click on the Parallel tab in

 Select the line and the point not on the

Geometry Unit GS-9

 Click on the Perpendicular tab

 Use the Straightedge tool to

Geometry Unit GS-10

 Select the line and the point not

 From the File menu, choose

Geometry Unit GS-11

 Double click the vertical line.

 Draw a small circle centered at the original

 Draw two overlapping circles as

Geometry Unit GS-12

 Select the points of intersection in

 Select the line and the two circles used to form

Geometry Unit GS-13

The Geometer’s Sketchpad Unit 2

Objective: TExES Mathematics Competencies

Geometry Unit GS-14

Geometry Unit GS-15

 Start The Geometer’s

 Draw a polygon in the first

Geometry Unit GS-16

 Draw a translation vector GH .

Geometry Unit GS-17

Geometry Unit GS-18

The Geometer’s Sketchpad Unit 3

Objective: TExES Mathematics Competencies

Geometry Unit GS-19

Geometry Unit GS-20

Open The Geometer’s

From the Edit menu

Click on the Parallel tab in

Select the line and the point not on the

Click on the Perpendicular tab

Use the Straightedge tool to

Select the line and the point not

From the File menu, choose

Double click the vertical line.

Draw a small circle centered at the original

Draw two overlapping circles as

Select the points of intersection in

Select the line and the two circles used to form

Start The Geometer’s

Draw a polygon in the first

Draw a translation vector GH .

Click on the Incenter tab.

Click on the Circumcenter tab.

Click on the Orthocenter tab.

Click on the Centroid tab.

Click on the Euler Line tab.

Start The Geometer’s Sketchpad.

Click on the Right Triangle Reflections

Click on the Acute/Obtuse Triangle

Click on the Rotate a Triangle tab.

Click on the Truncate a Triangle Vertex

Start The Geometer’s Sketchpad.

Click on the Perimeter vs. Length of

Click on the Area vs. Length of Long

Click on the Area vs. Perimeter tab.

Start The Geometer’s Sketchpad.

Construct the square interiors.

Start The Geometer’s Sketchpad.

Start The Geometer’s Sketchpad.