In this lesson, students are required to create, using GeoGebra, several line segments that they will then measure using a variety of methods. Students will create their projects following specific instructions provided to them via a PowerPoint handout. In addition, each student will be given a rubric that lists the point values for each graded element of the project. Ultimately, students will be asked to explain how to measure the length of a diagonal line segment on a coordinate plane, using either the Distance Formula or the Pythagorean Theorem. Finally, students will provide calculations to determine the lengths of two segments. Each student will then print their page in order to submit it for grading.
The rubric I designed for this assignment, pictured above, is relatively simple and very much to-the-point. It is very different from a standardized test on the surface and, to be honest, I felt uncertain about using the rubric to assess my students' understanding of methods for measuring segments. However, the students seemed to enjoy the assignment and many thought the rubric was very helpful in determining how they were going to be evaluated. For example, one student was unable to print for some reason, but commented that printing their project was not graded and so they would not lose points as a result (which was true!). Comparatively speaking, this assessment tool was less obvious than a normal test and the rubric provided the students with a clear direction for completing the assignment. I learned that my Geometry students really embrace technology and they enjoy projects that they can complete at their own pace. In addition, I discovered that some students were able to explain, in detail, how to measure segments on the coordinate plane, but were not able to answer several traditional problems on a warmup worksheet the following day. It really made me realize that students might very well understand a concept, but not be able to appropriately relate the concept to a standard geometry question, which negatively impacts their test grades. Assessment tools like this rubric, though, give them another platform on which to express their understanding.
Lesson Summary:
Student Artifacts:
Scored Rubrics:
Reflections: