This site contains an interactive tool that allows a user to manipulate the graph of a function and see graphs of the first derivative and the area function on a different plot.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
This site can be used for an in-class demonstration, self-study, exploration, or individual student practice.
Technical Requirements:
Any browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Develop an understanding and visualization of the derivative and definite integral basic properties.
Target Student Population:
College Lower Division, Introductory Calculus Students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Introductory Calculus
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Concepts of the derivative and integral are fundamental in Calculus. This site allows users visually explore the geometric nature of the derivative and definite integral in the connection to the tangent line and area problems. Using a mouse cursor and a slider a user can manipulate a basic shape of the graph to observe the graph of either the derivative or the area under the curve graphs shown in a different plot. This tool could be very beneficial to students in visualizing and understanding the First Derivative Test.
Concerns:
A feature that would allow users to plot the graph of the original function using equation input would improve the tool significantly.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The site could be used as a part an of in-class demonstration, as part of a homework assignment, or perhaps a self-guided activity. Sample learning goals are included.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The tool is very intuitive, visual, and engaging. Everybody can start using it right away.
Concerns:
Navigation of the page is a bit strange. In order to enter the actual tool set, one should click on the icon that looks like an embedded video. To go back, one needs to use a browser’s Back button.
Creative Commons:
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