by Constance MacFarlane, Lake Region Union High School
This quest is a High School geometry study of transformational geometry. Students will explore and learn the basics of transformations using text, online resources and Geometry Sketchpad. Through this study they will create either a kaleidoscope or a tessellation art piece. As a group, they will also produce a showcase of how they developed their pieces using a form of technology. They may produce a PowerPoint, video or any other showcase using technology.
Teacher Introduction
Welcome to the Transformational Geometry WebQuest. This WebQuest was designed to address the lack of a transformational geometry unit in my curriculum. The new State of Vermont test, the NECAP (New England Comprehensive Assessment Piece) started to include transformational geometry assessment so I needed to find an interesting way to incorporate this standard into my curriculum.
My requirements for this quest are as follows:
- It must be easy to include without taking too much class time in an already fullcurriculum.
- It must grab the student’s interest so they will spend time on it despite the fact it is spring and they are busy.
- It must meet the State standard.
- It must be memorable so students will remember the material in one or two years when they take the State test (junior year).
Be aware that this WebQuest is designed for a technology rich classroom with students that are very proficient in technology. I have plenty of laptops, video equipment, audio equipment as well as a TV studio at my disposal. All 6-8 grades students are issued a laptop in junior high and use them extensively. Most freshmen take technology classes in the summer before high school. Most of my students are far more tech savvy than I am. If I have a student who does not have adequate skills we have a tech savvy club that will pair up with the student to provide peer guidance. If you are planning to use this quest and do not have those resources you may want to adapt this quest by making this a group project or leaving out the final section. If you do not have access to Sketchpad you could have the students do the tessellations by hand.
Despite the wonderful resources we have in our school and district in regards to technology, the high school resources are vastly under used. I am hoping that the success of this WebQuest and its results’ exposure on the in school morning new program will encourage others to take the journey into WebQuests and other technology based lessons.