The aim of this activity is to allow students to scaffold a geometric visual understanding of vector concepts, in this case, the cross product. The visualization of abstract concepts benefits the students as it helps them grasp the concept by building it themselves in a simplified foundational way.
This activity employs the Active learning approach of inquiry based learning in a lab setting as well as problem based learning. Students are introduced to the geometrical concept of orthogonality and cross products and are then asked to scaffold it using their Zometools in groups of 3-5. They circulate around the classroom to compare their results with other groups. Throughout each of the building steps, there are open-ended questions interspersed. The instructor then links the geometric construction with the algebraic concept to recontextualize the activity.
This activity takes place over the course of one class in a collaborative lab environment.
Students will be able to:
Published: 03/09/2024
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