Crocodile Clips
Simple Simulation Software
MA News review of Crocodile Mathematics & Absorb Mathematics
Peter Ransom, Mathematical Association News
June 2002
Crocodile Mathematics
Version 1.1 of this snappy software has just been released, and what fun it is to use! The mdoels that are included are easy to use and very dynamic. I have used it in the Key Stage 3 and 4 classroom with a digital projector (and afterwards since it's hard to stop playing with it!) for demonstration purposes.
Described as a user-friendly, interactive mathematics laboratory, it allows both teachers and pupils to create and experiment with mathematical models by linking shapes, equations, numbers, graphs, text and pictures. It allows users to set up mathematical models by dragging and dropping shapes and tools onto the screen. I particularly enjoyed using the model for bearings that allowed me to drag a north line into position, then rotate a line about the position until it passed through the desired point. The angle is shown as the line rotates so the concept of angle as a measure of turn is reinforced.
Bright, colourful, visual, mathematical and fun - what more could one want from software in the school classroom? Get your demo and try it for yourself.
The software was launched at the BETT exhibition on January 9 this year. Crocodile Clips has not remained idle, however, with review copies of the new version sent out last month.
Absorb Mathematics
This is another piece of software from Crocodile Clips. This is their new courseware for GCSE Mathematics. It combines Crocodile Mathematics models with animations and interactive investigations. I used this with my year 11 group to help them with some revision last term, and all of a sudden the attention was riveted on what was happening.
This is a powerful tool for the individual pupil to use to help them learn or revise topics for GCSE... it would be good to see this become available as a single-user CD so that pupils could buy and use their own CD at home.