Abstract
The chapter describes a problem solving activity posed with the use of a Dynamic Geometry Software to middle school students. The problem leads students to face a meaningful situation to be explored, and forces them to make conjectures, to discuss and to formulate an argument. The activity starts with the manipulation of materials (paper and pencil, pictures and flashlights) and continues with the transposition of this exploration through technology. We discuss the use of problem solving activities to improve the argumentation skills and the added value of technology in exploration activities.
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Notes
- 1.
Confindustria is the main association representing manufacturing and service industries in Italy.
- 2.
We are using the word “basic” without a negative meaning but, on the contrary, with the meaning of simple and easy to find in every house or classroom. Nevertheless, the Italian word used for defining these materials (UMI 2003) can be translated with the word “poor”.
- 3.
For further information , see UMI (2003, p. 28).
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Gentile, E., Mattei, M. (2017). The Street Lamp Problem: Technologies and Meaningful Situations in Class. In: Aldon, G., Hitt, F., Bazzini, L., Gellert, U. (eds) Mathematics and Technology. Advances in Mathematics Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51380-5_10
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