Mark Kaercher
Simulation Center Teacher
Session 1: Using GeoGebra to Design Origami Simulations
Origami is incredibly influential in many areas of engineering, including medicine, space travel, architecture, robotics and packaging. More than just an art form, the ability to transform a flat sheet of paper into a complex 2D or 3D model leads to a mathematical study into these models. Participants will learn how to create Origami crease patterns in the GeoGebra Calculator, and then import the files into an Origami Simulator to make the digital forms come to life on their screens.
Example
Google Drive Folder
GeoGebra Folder
Session 2: GeoGebra + Droneblocks - The Mathematics of Drone Flight
Drones are playing vital roles in our world. Not only are they used for recreational purposes, they are necessary tools in a variety of industries. In this session, participants will learn how GeoGebra has become a powerful tool to help students understand the mathematics behind the Droneblocks code that is used to program and fly the drones. We will also explore how Droneblocks can be used to model 2D and 3D math concepts, along with the help of GeoGebra’s calculators.
Droneblocks Curriculum
Understanding the Droneblocks Curve Block
Mark Kaercher
Mark has been a learner, teacher, and maker of math since 1994. After serving as a middle and high school math teacher for 27 years, Mark is now a middle school Innovation Teacher, running the Simulations Center at Shaker Middle School, where he teaches his students about spreadsheets, Origami simulations, Minecraft, and flying drones. Mark is a regular presenter at local, regional, and statewide conferences and workshops. He is a recipient of a 2001 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, he was the 2011 SEMI Foundation Educator of the Year, and he is a NYS Master Teacher Emeritus. Mark resides in Latham, with his wife, two adult children, cat, and three-legged dog.
https://sites.google.com/nccsk12.org/mrkaercher
Slides from Presentations
Using GeoGebra to Design Origami Simulations
GeoGebra + Droneblocks - The Mathematics of Drone Flight