Huber, Sarah

Sketch-to-Sketch Graphic Organizer for Grades 7-12

Topic: Geometric Figures
Procedure: Rather than the traditional pencil and paper Sketch-to-Sketch, this adaptation asks students
to use the Geometers Sketchpad application* to create their sketch. This adaptation actively
incorporates new literacies into the classroom. The student is free to create any image he/she chooses
using knowledge of recently learned geometric shapes and their properties. He/she may also use
animation tools to make the sketches come alive. The student will then submit four to six sentences
either within Geometers Sketchpad or on a separate document describing the inspiration and geometry
behind their sketch.
*This graphic organizer requires a thorough tutorial through Geometers Sketchpad and its various
functions and features prior to its assignment.
Sample:
Animate Point
Animate Points

G
H
I

Using Geometers Sketchpad, I chose to use my knowledge of concentric circles, arc length, and
animation tools to create a lively carnival scene. I chose the carnival because one of my favorite things
to do when I was younger was go to the county fair in August and ride the Ferris wheel with my dad. In
Sketchpad, I first described two concentric circles and split each into sixths to form the Ferris wheel. I
then used circles and line segments to form the riders, and then incorporated various animation
features so that when one clicks Animate Point, the Ferris wheel spins, as do the riders. I utilized a
similar method to create the unicyclist, who rides his unicycle (a concentric circle split into twelfths)
forwards and backwards when one clicks Animate Points.