C.A.R. is a dynamic geometry program that simulates compass and ruler constructions and provides development of macros.
Type of Material:
Collections
Recommended Uses:
Classroom demo; student enrichment
Technical Requirements:
JAVA plug-in
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The successful student will learn how to use ruler and compass constructions to develop geometric conjectures and proofs.
Target Student Population:
Geometry students at the high school and college level in both Euclidean and nonEuclidean courses.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None for the simpler constructions. Knowledge of basic geometric principles for more advanced applications.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This web site provides a collection of applications, demonstrations and tutorials using ruler and compass constructions. Demos are available for simple constructions, animations, assignments, macros, and scripting. Applications include includes topics in elementary geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, conic sections, physics, 3-dimensional geometry and application in non-Euclidean geometries, hyperbolic and elliptical, are included. Tutorials are available on the use of the C.A.R. objects and tools for developing additional applications using circles, angles, reflections, functions and the creation of macros. Computations may also be used in expressions, functions and geometric figures.
This site is the homepage for numerous C.A.R. sites in 18 languages with nine of those providing context help. The software may be downloaded and used free of charge with the source available by the GPL which allows change or modifications of the source as long as the source remains open. C.A.R. may also be distributed on CDs. C.A.R. can be downloaded using Java Web Start or Windows with a complete installer package. Since the software is updated frequently, Java Web Start is recommended as it will maintain the most recent software version. There is forum in the form of a Wiki for users of C.A.R. to discuss their work and their challenges. An example of a web site developed using C.A.R, software can be found at http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/math/caracts/. This website was developed by Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia and its review is also in MERLOT.
Concerns:
none
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Geometry applications may be used from the site to provide visualization and manipulation for mathematical concepts, with topics such as proof of the Pythagorean Theorem, a catenary, reflections and extreme values. The strength of the site lies in its adaptability and ease of use for development of additional applications using constructions. Those constructions may be animated or the presentation may be step-by-step. A student can be given a construction goal or goals and a few hints. When the student has achieved each goal, the computer can recognize this success and congratulate the student. Objects and text may be formatted and expressions may be expressed in numerical values in text format. An extensive Help and additional HTML documentation is included which enables the user to successfully utilize the software to develop new teaching applications.
Concerns:
none
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The strength of this site is its potential to develop mathematical applications using the C.A.R. tools and objects. Other authors have already achieved success with this tool. These applications could then be used in classroom demonstrations, homework assignments or project-based learning.
The software can also be used to create macros which then can be used for student investigation. First a construction is created that depends on basic objects. Then the macro is created using those objects as parameters and the construction as a target. When the macro is run, the macro automatically creates the targets using the parameters.
Concerns:
A few of the demos did not work on one of the reviewers computers.
Creative Commons:
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