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Graspable Math is a Visual - Dynamic Expressions and Equations Manipulator

Alexander S. Moore

A new and exciting tool for teaching middle - school and secondary mathematics is the web - based pro gram Graspable Math (“ GM ”; https:// graspablemath.com). GM occupies a similar space as Desmos and Geogebra but is a unique offering because its primary feature—called Algebra—is to act as a visual - dynamic manipulator of expressions and equations. GM is a promising tool for teachers to use in support of such instruction—in both direct instruction and active learning activities. This arti cle briefly discusses how to operate the different aspects of GM—which is free for individual teach ers to use—and how teachers might use it in math ematics instruction. Accessing Algebra (see Figure 1) opens the GM Canvas, a tool that allows users to write/type ex pressions and equations, and then perform opera tions to simplify, expand, and manipulate them (see Figure 2). The dynamic aspect of the program re sponds in real time and animates the operation or manipulation the user has just performed, readjust ing the expression or equation appropriately. This is useful in helping students “ see ” how operations and manipulations impact the symbolic structure of the expression or equation. In many cases, this con nection between the operational, the symbolic, and the visual is one of the most difficult aspects for students taking Algebra or Pre - Algebra courses. Features of Graspable Math

You can learn more about Canvas, including how to manipulate expressions and equations, at the “ Canvas Basics ” page (https://graspablemath.com/ learn/canvas - basics) under the Tutorials section (see Figure 3).

Figure 1: “ Explore Algebra ” opens the GM Can vas, where users to write expressions and equa tions.

Figure 2: Click “ insert ” and then add a mathemat ical element.

Another aspect of GM that is similar to GeoGebra and Desmos are its classroom activity offerings (see Figure 4). These activities are premade and available in a repository on the GM website, and

Virginia Mathematics Teacher vol. 47, no. 2

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