App review by Debbie Gorrell, Common Sense Education | Updated September 2014
Isosceles+ : Geometry Sketchpad
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Isosceles+ : Geometry Sketchpad

Digital tool for exploring and constructing lines, angles, shapes

Get it now
  • Download from App Store
Learning rating
Editorial review by Common Sense Education
Community rating
Based on 1 review
Privacy rating
Not yet rated Expert evaluation by Common Sense
Grades
9–12 This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
Subjects & Skills
Math, Critical Thinking
Price:  $4.99
Platforms:  iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
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Take a look inside

5 images
Kids create shapes with equations and text annotations.
Help features are thorough and easily accessible.
Tutorials are organized by topic.
Kids can use tutorials to review important geometry concepts.
Assess learning with the questions that follow each tutorial.

Pros: Tutorials are excellent for reviewing concepts and assessing knowledge either before or after an in-class lesson.

Cons: Manipulating and constructing figures can be tricky, so kids will need plenty of time to practice.

Bottom Line: Versatile high-tech, hands-on tool is useful for teaching, exploring, constructing geometric figures.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Use the tutorials to test kids' knowledge either before or after a unit that applies to the content in the tutorials. For example, after kids learn about the Pythagorean theorem, have them complete the related tutorial individually or with a partner. Then move to the sketchpad and have kids construct a triangle and add measurements for two sides. They can then use the Pythagorean theorem to find or demonstrate the measure of the third side.

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Standards:

Kids can begin using the app either by checking out the tutorials or by going directly to the sketchpad. Tutorials teach kids concepts related to geometry, and each is followed by a series of assessment items. The sketchpad is an exploratory tool with numerous options. Kids can create free-form sketches or use the drawing tool to combine lines, circles, conics, arcs, and circles to create complex figures. Some of the more interesting features include the ability to insert images and graph functions, add text annotations and mathematical expressions, and easily save and share drawings.  

As they view the tutorials, kids can learn and test their knowledge of lines, circles, triangles, and more. Assessment questions that follow the tutorials include multiple-choice questions as well as problems that require kids to construct lines and figures with specific features. This is a great way for kids to review and practice important concepts. By using the sketchpad, kids are encouraged to learn through exploration as they construct, manipulate, and edit lines and figures. It's also an excellent way to boost kids' confidence in using technology. 

Overall Rating
Engagement Would it motivate students and hold their interest? Is it visually appealing? Would it inspire teachers to try something new or change their instruction?

Digital format empowers kids to learn through creating, making geometric constructions high-tech and engaging. 

Pedagogy Does the tool help teachers promote a more student-centered experience? Will students gain conceptual understanding or think critically? Does it deepen teachers’ pedagogical thinking?

Kids can freely explore and construct geometric figures for a highly visual, hands-on learning experience. 

Support Can students and teachers get assistance when they need it? Is it created with people of different abilities and backgrounds in mind? Is learning reinforced and extended beyond the digital experience?

Tutorials review and assess important concepts, and lots of tips and hints are available at the tap of a finger. A website with ideas for extension activities would be a nice addition. 

Common Sense reviewer
Debbie Gorrell Educator
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Key Standards Supported

Expressing Geometric Properties With Equations

  • HSG.GPE.4

    Use coordinates to prove simple geometric theorems algebraically. For example, prove or disprove that a figure defined by four given points in the coordinate plane is a rectangle; prove or disprove that the point (1, √3) lies on the circle centered at the origin and containing the point (0, 2).

  • HSG.GPE.6

    Find the point on a directed line segment between two given points that partitions the segment in a given ratio.

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Community Rating

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Featured review by
Rychelle L. , Classroom teacher
Classroom teacher
San Gabriel Academy
San Gabriel, United States
Great Platform for Engaging Geometry Sketches
I love the different tools the app has. You can make tic marks and use arcs to construct shapes. You can also type next to a shape or point to label it or even give instructions or explain what you did. The most challenging aspect of the app is that it does not have clear instructions on how to do all of these things. It takes quite a bit of time messing around in the app to figure out how to create the figure you want to. I think this app could definitely help my students create helpful drawings in Geo ...
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