Abstract:

This paper aims to show how elementary concepts of geometry, such as areas of plane figures and volumes of prisms, can be studied using an intuitive and interactive approach based on the observation of objects in the discovery of geometric properties and transformation of figures, and supported by the free dynamic geometry software "GeoGebra".

Besides the exploration of geometric concepts of different curricular levels, the given examples include the proposal and solving of geometric challenges.

This kind of approach is the basis of the project Intuitive and Interactive Geometry of the Faculty of Science of the Lisbon University, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation as an innovative project in the field of education.

Directed to the initial and continuing training of mathematics teachers of basic and secondary education levels, this project aims to encourage the use of an intuitive approach to teach geometry. For this purpose a digital platform of learning contents as well as computer applications will be created and an experimental geometry laboratory will be provided, based in the Faculty of Science of the Lisbon University, available for sessions with scholar public and training activities for teachers.

Keywords:

Geometry, intuitive, technology.