Clip 13/13: Standard 5: Use Appropriate Tools Strategically Graphing Quadratics Part 4

Mathematically proficient students consider the available tools when solving a mathematical problem. These tools might include pencil and paper, concrete models, a ruler, a protractor, a calculator, a spreadsheet, a computer algebra system, a statistical package, or dynamic geometry software. Proficient students are sufficiently familiar with tools appropriate for their grade or course to make sound decisions about when each of these tools might be helpful, recognizing both the insight to be gained and their limitations. For example, mathematically proficient high school students analyze graphs of functions and solutions generated using a graphing calculator...They are able to use technological tools to explore and deepen their understanding of concepts.

Carlos Cabana works with his high school English language learning students on algebraic reasoning and multiple representations around parabolas. In these clips, groups grapple with a new kind of problem for them. In the first clip, a group of students raises questions about mathematical tools and how to show and organize their work. In the second clip, a group of students uses graphing calculators to test their thinking around positive and negative numbers. Cabana observes that with their use of the calculator, they had to realize that, "Oh okay, we don't know this offhand, so we're going to figure it out this way."

See this video in the context of an entire lesson.

(Parts 4 & 6)