Kate Heydlauff

Math 11 Lesson Plan

CEP 800
March 2010

Tangents, Chords and Arcs of a Circle

Established Goals and Michigan State Standard References:

1. Investigate the relationships between arcs and central/inscribed angles. (Geometry
State Standards: G1.6.3 and G1.6.4)

2. Learn the properties of chords and tangents. (Geometry State Standards: G1.6.2)

3. Use Geometer’s Sketchpad to problem solve and investigate mathematical

relationships. (Technology State Standards: 6.1)

Content: Essential Questions:

Using Geometer’s Sketchpad, students will 1. What types of patterns to do you see
complete six short investigations about when measuring circle angles and
different circle properties, including arcs, arcs?
angles, chords and tangents. Students will
have some prior knowledge of these 2. How do tangents and chords relate to
mathematical terms, but will use today to circles?
discover the actual properties of each by
constructing circles. It is very difficult for 3. How could you apply this information
many students to understand the differences to a real-life situation?
between these terms. Through this hands-on
activity, students will hopefully be able to
understand the circle concepts including: arc,
chord and tangent.
Pedagogy: There will be two educational pedagogies that will be highlighted in this lesson
plan.

1. Cognitive Theory: Particularly, “Embodied Cognition” will be used as students

investigate and create their own conjectures about the circle concepts. Students will be
creating and discovering the patterns between angles and arcs as well as chords and
tangents.
2. Social Perspective on Learning: Students will work together and co-construct their
knowledge on this idea. They will be able to help and guide each other through the
activities and investigations and learn with each other.

Content and Pedagogy:

I chose the two pedagogies above for many reasons. First of all, this is a small class of ten
students. All ten students have disabilities ranging from autism to emotional impairment. It is
very important for these students to feel a sense of worth when completing a task in class. By
allowing them to create their own conjectures, they can take ownership of their learning and
education. Social interactions are also a main focus in this classroom. Many of these students
do not have appropriate social behaviors. By having them work together on a specific task,
they also learn how to appropriately communicate with other students and how to learn
together.

Technology

Technology:

In this lesson plan, I will be using Geometer’s Sketchpad to teach the properties of circles.
Although this lesson could probably be taught without this technology, it will be a huge asset
to student understanding. Geometer’s Sketchpad allows students to easily create and
manipulate shapes. By doing so, the students will create conjectures of these circle properties.
Using the laptops also provides a unique level of engagement with these students. They enjoy
using technology and are motivated by the use of laptops.

Technology and Pedagogy:

Geometer’s Sketchpad fully supports the two pedagogies I chose for this lesson plan. Not only
does this program allow students to work and create shapes together, but it also allows them to
discover and investigate. This is a software that completely supports the cognitive and social
perspective theories.
Technology and Content:

Geometer’s Sketchpad is math software that is made for classroom. As students work through
the circle investigation, they will be creating circles, angles, chords and tangents. They will be
able to measure angles and lengths of line segments. This user-friendly program will
document this information and students will be able to see the patterns between these circle
concepts.

Assessment

Performance Tasks: Other Evidence:

- Bell Ringer (Warm-Up) - Classroom Participation/Discussion
- Geometer’s Sketchpad Investigation - Group Work
- Reflection on the Lesson - Homework

The performance tasks and other evidence listed above is how I will assess student knowledge.
I want my students to know the relationship between angles and arcs, as well as tangents and
chords in a circle. The great asset of Geometer’s Sketchpad is I can actually sit down with a
student and ask them to create their conjecture on the computer. For example, if a student
states, “The central angle is equal to the measure of the arc” I can literally ask students to show
me using Geometer’s Sketchpad. It is incredibly easy for students to create a circle, angle and
measure it. It is also a simple way to assess knowledge and understanding. By looking
through the investigation worksheets (document attached), I will also be able to gauge student
understanding. I also believe that by observing student behavior and participation, I will be
able to judge comprehension. The conversations between students are a great way to assess.