Mathematical experience within CABRI-II microworld : construction and interpretation of algebraic expressions

Abstract

We present results about the set up of scenarios on the learning of algebra whitin Cabri-II microworld. We started our teaching experiment in a french highschool with a tenth grade school class (16 years old), introducing the simulation in Cabri-II of machines to draw curves (see Hoyos et al. 1998). Here, we worked searching the establishment of connections between the geometrical properties and their corresponding algebraic symbolization. Afterwards, we inquired about the state of these connections by solving tasks of algebraical inequality. The results of the test that we designed supported one hypothesis of the present paper: in the execution of techniques and procedures based on the literal calculus one of the principal difficulties to overcome is the construction of means of control for the algebraical executions involved. Also, these results indicated a necessity of approach our work within Cabri-II to the graphical interpretation of algebraic expressions