Geometry has been viewed by many mathematics educators as a natural context in which to introduce students to higher-order mathematical thinking. Results of the Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) study establish the technical basis for a new educational software tool, The Geometer's Sketchpad, that has as its purpose the provision of a visual environment with dynamic constructions, allowing students to investigate geometric shapes and relationships in ways that have heretofore not been possible. The research objectives of the Phase II research focus on (1) development and testing of prototype classroom materials; (2) development and testing of prototype software; (3) assessment of attitudes and achievement among various student populations using The Geometer's Sketchpad; and (5) making The Geometer's Sketchpad accessible to the broadest range of students. The project will provide software for applications that include enhanced versions of the software, versions for other hardware platforms, foreign language versions, and books and collections of sketches/scripts for secondary, elementary, and university audiences.
