UsingGSPinDiscoveringaNewTheory.docVIP

Using GSP in Discovering a New Theory Dr. Mofeed Abu-Mosa Abstract This paper aims at connecting van Hiele theory and its levels of geometric thinking with the dynamic software program geometry sketchpad. The paper reveals the harmony between the GSP software and the van Hiele theory. Moreover, it offers a geometric theory which was developed from Pythagorean Theorem. GSP was the tool of thinking. Key words: geometric thinking, van Hiele theory, dynamic software, technology Introduction Principles and Standards for School Mathematics document (NCTM, 2000, p42) clears the foundations of quality mathematics that should be taught in schools. It clears that through the study of geometry, students will learn about geometric shapes and structures and how to analyze their characteristics and relationships and geometry is a natural place for the development of students reasoning and justification skills, culminating in work with proof in the secondary grades. Principles and Standards for School Mathematics document also clears the role of Technology in the teaching and learning of geometry. Tools such as dynamic geometry software enable students to model, and have an interactive experience with, a large variety of two-dimensional shapes. By using technology, students can generate many examples as a way of forming and exploring conjectures, but it is important for them to recognize that generating many examples of a particular phenomenon does not constitute a proof. Visualization and spatial reasoning are also improved by interaction with computer animations and in other technological settings (Clements et al. 1997; Yates 1988). The attempt to develop a comprehensive theory that describes how students learn specific mathematical domains or concepts is rather rare in the field of mathematics education. A prominent example is the van Hiele theory; the most comprehensive theory yet formulated concerning geometry learning. It was developed by Pierre and Dina van Hiele almost