It was impressive indeed that on this cold damp
morning 6l out of 67 11th graders voluntarily found their way to school to
learn about computer algebra systems, specifically the software DERIVE.
The aim of the workshop was to introduce them to powerful software that
could be used in their IB portfolio assignments.
Dr Bernhard Kutzler and myself setting up before
his presentation
Students excitedly anticipating the start of the
morning’s events
Dr Bernhard Kutzler,
world renown for his CAS work, delivered the plenary address in which
he clearly illustrated the tremendous power of this software on a
potpourri of mathematical topics.
Dr Kutzer during his presentation
This was followed by a grade 12, Lucas Toth, student
presentation on the use of CAS and graphing software in extended
essays, particularly his own on the chain curve.
Lucas Toth during his presentation
One of VIS’ computer science teachers, Gordon Locke-Scobie demonstrated
features of the cas software Mathematica.
After the break the students had hands-on time
with school owned laptops in which they could practice different
features of the software for problem solving.
The students then received their mathematical
modeling portfolio assignment and we know that exposure to the power of
the technology presented will assist them greatly.
students working on the software during the
hands-on exercises
