---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Joel Kahn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mar 13, 2007 10:27 PM Subject: [school-discuss] PyGeo To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Here is a suggestion for math/programming instructors. . . . I'm sure that many members of this group have at least heard of the Python programming language. One of the more powerful graphics modules within it is VPython (V for Visual), and an interesting sub-module (if that's the right term) is PyGeo. The PyGeo system is a math/geometry visualization system with some similarities to software like KSEG or GeoGebra, but it has two significant differences: 1) PyGeo works in a 3D environment, with easy ability to change one's viewpoint in space by simple mouse movements; and 2) PyGeo requires the user to write at least a short program to set up a particular environment in which interactive operations can then take place. (This can be much easier than it sounds, once one learns a few basic principles). This means that PyGeo, as an educational tool, can mix programming instruction with math & geometry in more powerful ways than many other systems are capable of. PyGeo is just about entirely the work of one person, Arthur Siegel. Recently, I found out that Siegel had died suddenly of a heart attack. I have not found any info indicating that anyone else is taking over PyGeo, and (for a number of reasons) I'm just not equipped to do much with it myself. At the same time, I think that it would be an enormous loss for this to just fade away as another piece of orphanware. I encourage teachers (I'd say high-school level and above) to look at ways they can fit PyGeo into the appropriate curricula. I also suggest passing the following URL . . . http://pw1.netcom.com/~ajs/ . . . on to students, especially the ones who have already shown above-average interest & ability in math. To the best of my knowledge, the program is under a totally free-software &/or open-source license, and it should be wide open for anyone who wants to work on expanding it, updating it, documenting it, &c. If there is any way that Siegel's tragic death can be turned into an opportunity, I think that path should be pursued. While I do have some experience with PyGeo, I'm far from being an expert; still, I'll try to answer any questions that I can. Joel ____________________________________________________________________________________ No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail -- "I want to be part of the Salt of the earth" yahoo messenger : yolynne.rm google talk: yolynne skype: ynmedina Mobile: +639062199524 irc (server: irc.freenode.net #iosn, #ubuntu-ph, #ubuntu-women) nick: ulinskie
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