What I did was first develop a set of tutorials to introduce the novice to

the mechanics of the user interface of Squeak. I had to ask myself, "What

are the most important tools that the novice will need to get started

without being overloaded with too much extraneous information?" Once the

novice has the basic mechanics down (and there are only 3 of them to really

get started), they are able to start delving into Squeak in a very

exploratory and creative mode. After these tutorials were developed and

tested with BJ's class, the students were able to create a variety of

projects.

Next, I wanted to use Squeak to demonstrate some deep mathematical concepts.

It is amazing what you can do with Squeak that cannot be done in some high

sophisticated mathematical programs like Mathematica, Matlab, or Maple. I

developed a set of projects geared toward the student who had already

learned the basic mechanics of the user interface of Squeak. They were very

exploratory and mathematical in nature - based on concepts such as

parametric equations, cycloids, gravity, tangent lines, curvature of a

circle, etc..

I have used these projects with 9th and 10th graders this past school year

and they could easily used with 8th graders or tailored for younger

students. I have been so busy this year working with the students on

Squeak, getting their Squeak lessons on the school server, and documenting

what they have done, that I don't have the links ready yet. But I do have

the projects if anyone would be interested in trying them out. Squeak has

worked wonderfully in this NSF funded project.

From Naala Brewer email