Desmos is a graphing and teaching tool that can be used on the internet, as well as iOS and Android. Desmos allows students to learn more about math concepts through classroom activities.
Students can use sliding marbles to learn how to transform periodic function by trying to slide them through points on a graph. They can also plug in their own equation to see the graph that pops up. Sliders allow students adjust values and then see what happens.
To find the coordinates for points of intersection, maxima and minima, users can click directly on the graph.
Desmos encourages students both to learn math skills and to play with math to express themselves creatively. You can instantly see graphs of your mathematical expressions as kids enter them.
You can transform graphs into realistic and complex drawings with a variety of features and colors. Teachers and students can save graphs for later reference with a Desmos account.
What is Desmos?
Desmos encourages students in math to discover and explore equations. It allows anyone, most likely middle school age or older, to easily create rich, full-color graphs and share them easily. This brings the functionality of an old graphic calculator into 21st century computing without the need to use a calculator. Although the most popular product is the in-browser graphic software, Desmos also created virtual board technology which will allow the display of browser-based content across a variety of surfaces. Both these services are available for free to students and teachers.
Desmos is aiming above graphing, whiteboards and other technologies. Desmos has received funding from Google Ventures, and other sources. It is now beginning to grow beyond its initial product. Desmos will also form partnerships with textbook publishers (who will, perhaps, make those textbooks interactive and more shareable).
Desmos Calculator
Desmos Graphing calculator is an online tool that allows for extensive visual and numerical versatility. You can use it to draw and label points on the Cartesian plan, show solutions to equations, inequalities, graph functions, and build regression models using data sets.
The tool includes a calculator and a slider that allow users to create dynamic visuals to show change or draw attention to specific components.
Desmos Graphing Calculator
Desmos uses an inquiry-based approach to math learning. To achieve a goal such as sliding a margarine through stars, students manipulate various parts of an equation. Children should be patient and willing to adjust if the graph isn’t working. Other tools, such as ExploreLearning Gizmos, allow kids to manipulate graphs by changing equations. However Desmos allows students to work together. Students can ask questions of each other and take on challenges set by their peers.
Desmos is a top-rated graphing tool for students with different math skills. Sliders can be used as substitutes for variables that are not defined. This is a great feature for beginners. Kids can watch the graph change shape and move as they drag and click the sliders.
Graphing tables and inequalities is a feature that might appeal to advanced users. Students can create tables with either pre-populated expressions or manually enter them. They also allow students to graph multiple numbers simultaneously.
Benefits of teaching using Desmos
- A free, open resource that is available to all without the need for registration or subscription
- Static and dynamic graphics demonstrations, and quantitative analysis of 2-dimensional model 2 are possible
- Pre-built demonstrations and activities are possible
- Users must have basic technology skills
- Easy sharing of demonstrations among users
Using Desmos in a classroom
Desmos can be used in many different ways. You can use it as a graphing calculator for free, which saves students the cost of a $100 calculator. It can be used by teachers to create high-quality images for presentations and assessments. Desmos shines in the classroom, however.
Desmos can be used by teachers to help students link mathematical concepts to concrete shapes and images. It’s easy to create an activity with students: Just have them enter the code into the website. Before assigning an activity to your students, you can preview it for free.
The teacher moves are listed at bottom of activities. They provide specific guidance on how to coach your children while they work. The teacher dashboard allows you to monitor your progress. Teachers can use this information to work with individual students or the entire class to halt a group of students who are on the wrong track. Desmos can be an effective tool for leading math discourse.
Snapshot allows you to quickly capture student responses and arrange them in the most effective order to stimulate class discussion.
How to Create a Desmos Account
Follow the link to Start Graphing to Desmos.com. There are two options: create an account or log in. This will allow you to save, name, and search your work. These steps assume that you have logged in to your account. Desmos graphing functionality is available to all account holders. In this case, one can keep access to their work by creating a link to share and saving it for later.
Desmos Graphing – Tips
- Avoid confusion and minimize ambiguity. Develop instructions that correspond with the activity’s learning outcomes. Divide the activity into parts and arrange them in folders. Through the activity, direct students to relevant resources when they are needed. As a resource, students can use the extensive library of Desmos “how-to” videos and other users (accessible through any search engine that uses “Desmos + subject of choice”) to help them with specific tasks.
- Take into account time and skill. Then multiply that time by three. Reflect on the knowledge and skills of your students throughout the test and make adjustments to the activity.
- Encourage problem solving and troubleshooting with peer-to-peer support. – Show students how you can share work using the Share Your Graph tool to get help from others during this activity. It will be easier to spot errors or stumbling blocks in student work if you can see it.
