Peer Review

2D parametric curve plot

Material Detail page

Bookmark

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This site contains a Geogebra applet that plots a two-dimensional parametric curve of a user defined vector-function. The plot also shows the velocity and normal vectors and osculating circle.
Type of Material:: Simulation
Recommended Uses:: Suitable for use in classrooms, for homework assignments, individual learning, group exploration in mathematics-related courses, or computer lab sessions.
Technical Requirements:: Any browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: To visually explore graphs of 2D parametric curves as well as concepts of motion components, osculating circle and curvature. The tool allows users to input parametric functions for a curve, observe its graph, and analyze its properties through associated vectors and geometric shapes.
Target Student Population:: Students taking Calculus of several variables or related upper math courses.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Calculus of several variables.

Rating:
Strengths:: This tool is designed to help students visualize two-dimensional vector-values functions. The applet is simple but informative. The interface allows the user to input a vector-functions r(t)=(x(t),y(t)), then the graph is sketched. Then a user can change the parameter t of the moving point, and see the tangent and normal vectors, the osculating circle, and even the evolute. The graphical display is very clear and looks like a standard textbook illustration.
Concerns:: An input field to set the parametric interval would be a plus. Also, the site would benefit from having a paragraph or two (or a link) with explanations of main concepts.

Rating:
Strengths:: The applet does one thing and does it well. As a support and demonstration tool, instructors can use the site to illustrate textbook examples and homework assignments. Students could benefit from visiting the site and spending 20-30 minutes checking their homework or working through a planned worksheet.
Concerns:: The site containing the applet would benefit from a link to some introductory text on vector-functions defined parametrically. Having guided exercises that walk students through the process would also be a big plus.

Rating:
Strengths:: This is a very straightforward applet to use. The average user should be able to run it immediately. Because there are very few entry fields, students can create a graph quickly.
Concerns:: A simple way to print different plots might be useful. Although the interface is simple, the tool lacks comprehensive, step-by-step instructions or tutorials to guide users, especially beginners. Without this, students may struggle to fully understand how to use the features effectively or apply them to solve problems.