​If you’re jumping into your first round of teaching geometry, a quick refresher – Yes, we are talking about the two column proofs that we learned while we were in school.  But do you remember exactly why or what they were for?
 
Basically, a proof is an argument that begins with a known fact or a “Given.” From there, logical deductions are made through a series of conclusions based on facts, theorems and axioms. This will finally prove the proposition at hand, for example, the sum of the angle measures in a triangle equals 180˚. By writing out a proof, the answer is undeniable.

​Well, logical reasoning and deduction are central to understanding not only geometry, but mathematics as a whole. Being able to tell the difference between obvious mathematical concepts and ones that need to be justified is a new level of understanding in math. It shows comprehension of deductive logic and the ability to structure arguments to make mathematical conclusions. All of these skills are paramount to reaching a more mature and complete knowledge of geometry and arithmetic.
 
As powerful as our brains are, they can miss key facts and be fooled. There are times where things seem perfectly reasonable and they turn out to be wrong. That’s why we need to learn how to PROVE things. When you go through step by step, with the deductions laid out, you know what you’ve done is absolutely correct.
 
When mathematicians first began to form rules to prove valid mathematical statements, they did so through trial and error. This allowed congruence in learning. One person could show another person a mathematical rule and prove it through reproduction, which in turn made it valid.
 
However, proofs aren’t just ways to show that statements are true or valid. They help to confirm a student’s true understanding of axioms, rules, theorems, givens and hypotheses. And they confirm how and why geometry helps explain our world and how it works. 

Limiting the amount of substantial and challenging proofs in a geometry curriculum pretty much defeats the purpose of the course. Now, that may sound a little exacting, but it is true. The reality is that geometry is different than other math courses.

All mathematics are rooted in problem sets, however the problems in geometry that require proofs of propositions do more than apply a theory. They are a part of it.  When students learn how to postulate and prove concepts, they are tapping into a deeper stage of mathematics.
 
Geometrical proofs offer students a clear introduction to logical arguments, which is central to all mathematics. They show the exact relationship between reason and equations.

More so, since geometry deals with shapes and figures, it opens the student’s brains to visualizing what must be proven. It rounds out their knowledge, building upon the concepts of basic algebra.
 
Students have to combine all of their acquired knowledge.  They have to develop a mental list of steps that will lead from the given to the conclusion.  Then, they have to find ways to show algebraically that it all works out while simultaneously following along in a diagram.  They must combine two lines of logic to create a new one and flow from one step to another.  It can take some deep planning and thinking for a more challenging proof. 
 
It’s a whole new way of thinking that develops entire new brain connections for them!

​Reasoning is a skill that has a multitude of applications. Whether you’re proving a geometric postulate, working through a detailed word problem, navigating facts in a debate, or even making a monthly budget, you will need reasoning. While we do learn reasoning outside of geometry, students that practice proofs strengthen that skill even more. You learn how to reason carefully and find links between facts. This is something that is important for everyone, not just mathematicians.
 
 
Basically, proofs do have a very important role in the geometry classroom. They offer:

• a means of communicating your reasoning with others,
• a justification for the way things work,
• and a basis of developing other applications of logical reasoning.

I send out some free resources for two-column proof writing to my email subscribers as part of a welcome kit!  Enter your email here to get those downloads delivered right to your inbox:

Click the button to get the version that will be best for each of your courses!

I hope that your students enjoy these, and that you can relax knowing that they are each on their own perfect learning track, not wasting time while you are out!  (Even if you aren't absent, you can always use these for a quiet work day!)

Although I just posted recently that I strongly believe that the classroom needs to be rooted in pen and paper, that does not mean that our students need to be stuck in an era before technology.  There is nothing wrong with allowing eager learners the ability to take advantage of living in the 21st century. In fact, that is part of what education is all about. Improving ways to teach, learn, and grow is how we make the world a better place.

I think the most effective way to integrate technology in a math classroom in the 21st century is to use interactive apps that allow students to explore, investigate, manipulate, and visualize properties.

Allowing children and young adults to explore math through virtual tools is amazing. They can discover new connections by engaging on new levels which will increase their academic success. Most of us grew up in classrooms with limited technology. Just a few decades ago there was typically only one computer lab for the whole school and we all took turns getting to experience the cutting edge technology of DOS, Windows and Macintosh.
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This was the birth of technology in the classroom; integrating virtual lessons to enhance our comprehension while having fun. And those were the days that were the best. When it was your classroom’s turn to play Number Munchers, you were having a great day at school. You could sharpen your basic math skills while playing video games, which was living and learning in the future to our parents. Not to mention a ton of fun for us kids.

Adding excitement helps improve the ability to learn through increased engagement.

Our kids get the same thrill and benefit of having technology in their classrooms as well.  Even though the technology has grown leaps and bounds since we were in grade school, the feeling is the same. We are instantly more enthusiastic when we are able to explore concepts through other platforms.  

1. GeoGebra - It’s no secret that I love GeoGebra. Their application of dynamic mathematics software is great for all levels of education. It brings together geometry, algebra, spreadsheets, graphing, statistics and calculus in one easy-to-use package.

2. Ooops App - This “Order of Operations” activity is a fun way to practice the order of math equations and problem solving. This addictive game app sharpens math skills as well as cognitive development and critical thinking for any algebra students.

3. Hands-On Equations - Just like it sounds, this Hands-On app allows you to interact with algebra with games and lessons. Students will have fun with the experience of having success with sophisticated algebraic equations.

4. Attributes by Math Doodles - Discover the joy, wonder, and fun of mathematics through patterns and interactive puzzles while using different parts of your brain. The key to understanding math is understanding patterns. That’s why this app is perfect for exploring math. In a brain-based approach like my own favorite Math Doodle Notes, students get to creatively use both hemispheres of their brain while learning basic and complex concepts.

5. Algebra Touch - Students really get a hands on feel with this app. Using the touchscreen technology you can manipulate algebraic equations, such as isolating variable by dragging X’s and Y’s to either side of the equation. It’s a perfect all levels of algebra, from beginners to advanced.

6. Geometry Pad - For a more advanced geometry student, this app packs tons of benefits. Students and teachers can use it in class for a deeper understanding of geometric concepts. Easily create complex geometric sketches, measure everything you have in a document, and experiment with shapes and transformations.
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7. PhET Interactive Simulations: Math - “Beautiful and responsive tools bring light to tricky math concepts.” This free app is great for students and teachers in beginner or advanced math subjects.  It includes a draggable “Trig Tour,” an interactive “Function Builder,” curve fitting and graphing apps, and more!

​Technology will never fully replace performing math by hand, yet it is a fantastic way to explore mathematical concepts.   I hope some of these help build your students understanding of higher-level math concepts!  Share your own favorites in the comments area below to help us discover more great apps!