Geometric constructions present an opportunity to help students develop geometric proofs and justifications while actively creating mathematical representations (Mariotti, 2001). Though traditionally carried out with paper and pencil, dynamic geometry software allows students to produce more precise constructions with greater certainty…

Vectors have important applications both within and outside mathematics, but the concept of vectors is often taught to students in a less-than-engaging way, leading to students feeling inadequate and frustrated. This article describes the use of a mathematical microworld, "Driving with Vectors," to explore vectors using equitable…

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how students' mathematics identities were developed and how their agency was fostered through the use of a mathematical action technology (MAT), Desmo, during stages of learning beyond noticing and wondering. The authors describe how they enacted an eighth-grade mathematics lesson depicting students…

In this article, the authors share activities designed to help students make a connection between the complex roots of X[superscript 2] - 2x + 5 = 0 and the graph of y = X[superscript 2] - 2x + 5. We piloted these activities in three precalculus classes. The activities involved both concrete and technological representations of the mathematical…

Sequences are an important topic--not only in mathematics but also in the mathematics curriculum. Exploring sequences related to medial triangles offers learners opportunities to solve problems involving sequences within geometric contexts. Sequences related to medial triangles are also a rich source of beautiful and interesting geometric patterns…

To improve understanding of identities and inverses, and to provide a stronger foundation for future mathematics, Sandra Miles designed a two-part lesson that makes the relationship between identities and inverses explicit. This article illustrates Miles' teaching of the first part of the lesson, focused on addition and subtraction, and then gives…

Investigating symmetric dot patterns provides opportunities for foundational mathematical learning that is not restricted to multiplication alone. Students have opportunities to learn about the properties of symmetry, about the generalization of patterns, about writing and interpreting equations--all areas of study in grades 3-5. And symmetric dot…

Valid proofs need not be in the traditional two-column format. This classroom activity allows students to explore, discuss, and use specialized facts to create a general statement of truth.

To fulfill the Standards for Mathematical Practice (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers [NGA Center & CCSSO], 2010), it is important for teachers to empower students to critique, revise, and expand their ideas as they solve problems. However, students often face challenges such…

In this article, the authors introduce the Into Math Graph tool, which helps teachers learn about their students' mathematics-related experiences and mathematical engagement by inviting students to define and graph their engagement over time. This tool documents and allows teachers to understand how and why students' engagement increases,…

Too often, high school algebra students encounter topics in a discrete, disconnected fashion. In the authors' first years of teaching, they found students to be adept at solving problems they were currently studying; for instance, they could solve quadratics during a quadratics unit. Too often, however, students struggled with that same content…

The challenges experienced by schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic led to numerous changes and forced teachers to rethink the way teachers use technology, both to communicate with students and to support their mathematics learning. To illustrate these changes in curriculum, teaching, and assessment, the author uses the topic of rational…