By George!

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Standard X: Geogebra Practical 12: Alternate Method of obtaining Frequency Polygon

Information and Communication Technology: Standard X: Geogebra Practical 12: Alternate

Geogebra Practical 12: Alternate Method of obtaining Frequency Polygon

The Percentage of Literate males between the ages of 15 to 45 in a colony is given in the table below.

Class	15-20	20-25	25-30	30-35	35-40	40-45
Percentage	42	38	35	26	16	5

Draw a Histogram and Frequency Polygon.

The first five steps given below are the same as the ones given in the first method for doing this practical.

1. Open Geogebra. From the ‘Options’ Menu click ‘Advanced.’ See Figure 1 below. Select ‘Preferences -- Graphic’.

Figure 1.

2. Click on x-axis Tab and click on Label. Enter 'Age' as label. See Figure 2 below.

Figure 2.

3. Click on Y-axis Tab and click on Label. Enter ‘Percentage’ as label. See Figure 3 below.

Figure 3.

4. Click on Grid tab. Select show Grid. Enter grid distance as ‘2.5’ for x-Axis. See Figure 4 below.

Figure 4.

5. In the Input Box at the bottom of the Screen type,
histogram[{15,20,25,30,35,40,45}, {42,38,35,26,16,5}] and press Enter. The required Histogram will be displayed. Use the Mouse Scroll button and the Move Graphics View Tool from Tool 11 to position the graphics area properly, as shown in figure 5 below.

Figure 5.

6. In the command box at the bottom of the Geogebra window type FrequencyPolygon[{15,20,25,30,35,40,45}, {42,38,35,26,16,5}].

The Frequency Polygon along with the Histogram will be displayed.

Figure 6.

Save or Print your file as required.

Some other examples of commands that can be run from the Input Command Box are given here.

George Ferrao

Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Turning Dreams into Reality

Turning Dreams into Reality

Dare to Dream. This is the Theme for the year in St. Louis School. Just because we dream of something does not mean that it will come true. But unless we dream of great things we will definitely not achieve them. So we encourage all students to dream, and then work hard to achieve their dreams.

What happens however, when a student is faced with great difficulties, maybe physical, maybe financial? Does such a child still dare to dream? Or do we simply ask such a child to give up his hopes, his dreams, his goals and aspirations?

Shivam Sai Gupta

Meet Shivam Sai Gupta.

Born in Patna, Bihar, in 1995, Shivam suffered from a congenital disorder called “Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome”. In desperation Shivam’s father, Mr. Dinesh Kumar Gupta, visited hundreds of doctors, but to no avail. This rare disorder which affects only about 1 in 100,000 people has no cure. Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome affects the development of the blood and lymph vessels, soft tissues and bones.

In fact Shivam had one leg longer than the other. While his friends were participating in sports and games, Shivam had difficulty walking.

In order to study more about this disease, and understand its effects on his child, Mr. Dinesh Gupta purchased a computer. Shivam, who was 8 at that time, began to use the computer and the programs in it like PowerPoint and Corel R.A.V.E to develop games. Battling problems like frequent power failures, a slow Internet connection, financial difficulties and constant pain due to his physical condition, he also taught himself 3D Animation and began developing Visual Effects for movies and games.

On 26/11/2008, Mumbai came under a violent and horrific terrorist attack. Shivam, like the rest of us, watched on the television as the tragedy unfolded before his eyes. Feeling frustrated and angry, Shivam decided to do something. As a tribute to the many people who lost their lives in this terror attack, Shivam developed a video game “Terror Attack, Project Fateh”. He hopes that this game will encourage more young people to join the Armed Forces and help combat terrorism. He thus became the youngest Indian game developer.

Video game: Terror Attack, Project Fateh

Shivam at the INK Conference 2010

This feat was widely recognized by the gaming Industry worldwide. He was honored at Nasscom’s Gaming And Animation Conclave and the INK (Innovation and Knowledge) conference. Terror Attack, Project Fateh was a winner at Intel’s LevelUp Contest 2010.

When he was 14 an event occurred in his life which Shivam considers to be nothing short of miraculous. After a visit to Shirdi, he noticed that his physical problems began to reduce. None of his doctors could believe it until they saw the X-Rays which showed that Shivam’s legs were now of the same length. The other symptoms too disappeared, which the doctors could not explain.

Shivam though was happy and continued to go on about his studies and work. He learned three Computer languages and developed many more games; including one which tackles the issue of Child Obesity. He has even written a self-help book on coping with eating disorders. He is now developing a 3-D printer.

Today, Shivam is a Software programmer, Visual Effects designer, Games Developer, Film maker and Website designer. He loves Public Speaking, and has addressed several press conferences. Shivam has been featured in many newspapers articles and on many Television Channels. He has met and interacted with Business leaders and celebrities around the world.

Shivam in Hollywood

With Tina Fey Emmy Award Winner

More information about this amazing prodigy can be found on Wikipedia, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and many sites on the Web.

"There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other."

---Douglas Everett

This quotation from Shivam’s blog illustrates very nicely his never-give-up attitude. Shivam dislikes a negative attitude and making excuses.

So the answer to the question is an emphatic no. We should not stop dreaming. No matter what hardships and hurdles you face, never give up your dreams. Each obstacle that comes your way simply means that you have to work harder to achieve your dreams

Oh, by the way, Shivam is also a student. He is in XI Standard, studying Science in St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

Shivam, with his friends at Malhar

George Ferrao

Saturday, 11 January 2014

Geogebra. Standard X ICT

Geogebra. Information and Communication Technology, Standard 10

Q.1 Plot the points A(4,-3) and B(-2, 5), join them and find the equation of the line. Write all the steps.

Information and Communication Technology
Geogebra.

Click on the links below for information about specific Topics

Q.2 Give names of the different parts of the Geogebra screen.

Q.3 What would you use to type the equation for drawing a Graph in Geogebra?

Geogebra: Equation of a line.

Information and Communication Technology: Standard X: Geogebra: Equation of a line

Geogebra

Plot the points A(4, -3) and B (-2, 5). Join them and find the equation of the line passing through these points.

1. Open Geogebra. Make sure that the Co-ordinate Axes and the Grid is displayed.

2. Click on Tool No 2, and Select ‘New Point Tool’.

Figure 1

3. Click on the point (4, -3). A new point A will be plotted as shown.

Figure 2

4. Click on the point (-2, 5). A new point B will be plotted as shown.	Figure 3
5. Click on Tool No 3 and select ‘Line between 2 points Tool’.	Figure 4
6. Click on point A followed by point B. A line will be drawn through points A and B and the equation of this line will be displayed in the Algebra section of the display. 7. Save your file or print it if required.	Figure 5

George Ferrao

Geogebra Window

Information and Communication Technology: Standard X: Geogebra: Geogebra Window

Geogebra

2) Give names of different parts of the Geogebra screen

OR

Describe the Geogebra Window.

The parts of the Geogebra Window are as follows.

Title Bar: The title bar runs across the top of the Geogebra Window. It displays the name of the file being worked upon.

Menu Bar: It is located just below the Title Bar. All commands and sub Commands can be accessed from here. Its main commands are File, Edit, View, Options, Tools, Window and Help.

Tool Bar: Just below the menu bar of the Geogebra Window comes the Tool Bar. 11 Main Tools are available in the Tool Bar. Clicking on the small down arrow at the right hand bottom of the tool will display several options, and thus many more tools can be selected.

Algebra View: The Algebra view is displayed on the left pane of the Geogebra Window. It gives the algebraic representation of objects created in the Graphics View or by inputting commands typed in the Input Bar.

Graphics View: This is the main part of the Geogebra Window. Using the graphics view we can construct and display points, angles, lines, segments, circles and other geometrical figures. The X and Y axes and also a grid can be displayed.

Input Bar: The Input Bar runs across the bottom of the Geogebra Window. Algebraic Inputs such as co-ordinates of points, equations of lines, angles as well as many commands can be entered directly into the Input Bar. On the right hand side of the Input Bar is the Command Button. Clicking on the Command Button will display all the commands that can be entered in the Input Bar and also their syntax.

George Ferrao

Using the Input Box in Geogebra

Information and Communication Technology: Standard X: Geogebra: Equation of a line

Using the Input Box in Geogebra

3) What would you use to type the equation for drawing a graph in Geogebra?

OR

What is the use of the Input Box in Geogebra?

Using the input box at the bottom of the Geogebra Screen we can enter different objects on the Graphics area of the Geogebra Window. Points, lines, circles, segments, midpoints of segments, Polygons etc., can be easily drawn in the Geogebra Window.

The usual operators used in Computers are still applicable. ‘+’ for Addition, ‘-‘ for Subtraction ‘*’ for multiplication and ‘/' for division ‘^’ for exponentiation.

Multiplication can also be done by the following methods. E.g., 2*x is same as 2x and is same as 2 x.

The Algebraic representation of the Command will be displayed in the Algebra Section.

Examples of Commands (Give any two examples for a two mark Question)

Command	Use of the command	Output
A=(3,4)	Plots a point A (3,4) on the Graph
Segment[A, B]	Draws a segment between points A and B. The Points A and B must be previously defined.
Line[A, B]	Draws a line passing through the points A and B. The equation of the line will be displayed in the Algebra section.
Circle[(2,3), 2]	Draws a circle with center at point (2,3) and Radius 2 Displays the equation of the circle as c: (x - 2)² + (y - 3)² = 4
Circle[A, AB]	Draws a Circle with center at the point A and with Radius equal to length of Segment AB. The equation is displayed in the Algebra Section
Circle[C, AB]	Draws a Circle with center at the point C and with Radius equal to Segment AB. The equation is displayed in the Algebra Section.
Circle[A, B]	Draws a Circle with Center at A and with a point B on the Circle. (AB is the radius) The equation is displayed in the Algebra Section.
Circle[A, B, C]	Draws a Circle passing through the points A, B and C. The equation of the circle will be displayed in the Algebra Section.
AngleBisector[B,A,C]	Draws a Line Bisecting the angle formed by the three points B, A and C. The equation of the line is displayed in the Algebra Section.
Area[A, B, C]	Finds the area of the Triangle having vertices A, B and C. The answer is displayed in the Algebra Section under Number.
Area[A, B, D, C]	Finds the area of the Rectangle (Polygon) having vertices A, B, D and C. The answer is displayed in the Algebra Section under Number.
Area[c]	Displays the area of the circle (c) in the number Section
Circumference [c]	Displays the circumference of the Circle (c) under Number Section.
Incircle[A, B, C]	Draws the Incircle of the triangle having vertices A, B and C.
Midpoint [A, C]	Displays the midpoint between the points A and C.

George Ferrao

Friday, 20 December 2013

Information in Indian Languages

Information in Indian Languages

Q. 1	What IS Unicode? At the basic level Computers deal with numbers. Every alphabet, number or symbol is converted into a corresponding binary number and then processed. However while using different languages, different scripts were used, which was a cause of great confusion. The same code corresponds to different symbols in different languages. This meant that software or documents developed in one country could not be used in another. The development of Unicode, or the Universal Alphabet was a solution to this problem. Unicode or UTF-8 is a set of over a million characters covering the majority of writing scripts from across the world. Systems are developed which use Unicode and these systems have the ability to read and process data from many languages. Unicode is supported by all the latest browsers, so web pages made in different languages could be easily displayed without any compatibility issues.
Q. 2	What is transliteration? Translation consists of representing the words of one language with the script used by another language. Transliteration keeps the pronunciation the same no matter what language is used. Transliteration Software is designed to type in one language (e.g. English) and the computer will convert it into another language. (eg Marathi) Transliteration is different from translation. Translation retains the meaning of the words across different languages, while Transliteration only retains the sounds of the words.
Q. 3	Explain Google translate in detail. Google Translate is a free service from Google which automatically translates from one language to another. This translation is done automatically using Natural Language Processing. (NLP) Today Google provides translation in 80 languages worldwide. It also provides translation for 9 Indian Languages including, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Punjabi, Urdu, and Telugu. Google translate works completely automatically by detecting patterns in other documents which have been translated by human beings. It uses these patterns to translate the document and its accuracy therefore depends upon how many documents that were previously translated by humans, are available. Some translations are more accurate than others. Generally translations between English and most Western European languages have a high degree of accuracy whereas translations between languages such as Chinese and others using the Cyrillic script and not as accurate. The Google translate service also includes a Text-to-speech converter which helps in improving the accuracy as well as allows the user to learn to speak the language. Google translate is also available on Android based devices such as mobile phones and tablets.
	George Ferrao

Friday, 22 November 2013

ICT in Science, Maths, Modeling and Simulation

ICT in Science, Mathematics, Modeling and Simulation

ICT in Science, Mathematics, Modeling and Simulation

Q. 1

What are the benefits of ICT in Science? Give examples.

The use of Computers, the associated Hardware, Software and other digital equipment allows ICT to be used in Science in the following areas:
Collection of Scientific Data: Using ICT tools such as the Internet, email, newsgroups, blogs and conferencing, the collection of data is faster, easier and more accurate. This improves the quality of results.
Example: Computer controlled equipment can be used to directly record and store real time measurements.
Presentation: Instead of an oral explanation or text from a book, a visual presentation makes concepts easier to understand. Changes can be easily understood using tools such as Spreadsheets or Graphs.
Example: The Structure of the Atom can be more easily explained using a PowerPoint presentation.
Demonstration: In Science many experiments cannot be demonstrated live. However using ICT one can easily understand these experiments. Computer Simulations are used extensively for demonstration of various concepts.
Example: The study of Volcanoes, the human digestive system, or our Solar System becomes easy using ICT tools.
Prediction: Since collection of data becomes easy using ICT tools, we can use this data to predict events. The existing data can be extrapolated to understand things for which there is no direct information available.
Example: ICT is used extensively in Weather Prediction and Remote Sensing applications.
Interactive Education: Understanding scientific concepts becomes easy when interactive methods are used. Students can interact with the Computers and its software and easily grasp complex scientific topics.
Example: Most educational software provides teaching in an interactive way.

Q. 2

What are the benefits of ICT in Mathematics? Give examples.
Since the computer is capable of performing a large number of complicated calculations in a short time, it is easy to use ICT in learning Mathematics. ICT is used in Mathematics in the following areas.
Use of GUI: The use of a GUI provides a quick way to visually study the effect of changing values or parameters in a given calculation.
Example: A Spreadsheet can be used to solve equations.
Observing Patterns: The use of Computers and Spreadsheet software allows us to observe the effects of changing values. These varying values can be then studied for invariance and covariance.
Example: Using Geogebra, we can draw a geometric figure and then study the effect of changing the lengths of the sides or of the angles.
Observing Links: The use of Computers and Mathematics software, allows us to put formulae, graphs and spreadsheets of data in a program and display all simultaneously. By changing values we can observe the connection between them.
Example: In Geogebra we can input two equations and plot them in the Graphical View. The connection between these two equations will then be shown graphically.
Visualizing images: ICT has several tools which allow one to manipulate diagrams dynamically. 3-D figures are difficult to visualize and the use of Computers greatly simplifies things.
Example: A 3-D image of a Cuboid can be used to solve Pythagoras’ theorem.
Exploring Data: By using Computers a student can work with real data that can be represented in different ways. Students can take part in online surveys for collecting information and exploring it in a graphical way.

Q. 3

Define Modeling.
A Computer Model is a digital representation of a real life system. Using mathematical formulae and graphics programs, a virtual version of a real world system can be created. For example Computer Models of a ship can be built. This can be viewed in 3-D on the Computer with a facility to Zoom and rotate in selected areas. This allows us to study which Computer Model is best and then decide to build a real ship.

Modeling thus allows us to reduce the cost of designing as it is impractical to build several real ships and choose one, but it is easier to build several computer models and then select the best one.

Q. 4

Define Simulation.
Simulation is the technique of studying the behavior of a real world system by building a computer version of it. The use of a simulator also begins with building a Computer Model of a Real life system. One or more Variable of the Mathematical Model is changed so that we can study its effect. For example the laws of physics relating to fluid dynamics can be programmed in the Model of a ship. The user can then change variables such as speed or weight of the ship and study the stability of the ship under different situations.

Q. 5

Compare modeling and simulation.
Differences:

	Modeling	Simulation
1	A Computer Model is a digital representation of a real life system. Using mathematical formulae and graphics programs, a virtual version of a real world system can be created.	Simulation is the technique of studying the behavior of a real world system by building a computer version of it. The use of a simulator also begins with building a Computer Model of a Real life system. One or more Variable of the Mathematical Model is changed so that we can study its effect.
2	For example, Computer Models of a ship can be built. This can be viewed in 3-D on the Computer with a facility to Zoom and rotate in selected areas. This allows us to study which Computer Model is best and then decide to build a real ship.	For example, the laws of physics relating to fluid dynamics can be programmed in the Model of a ship. The user can then change variables such as speed or weight of the ship and study the stability of the ship under different situations.
3	A model is considered to be static because it does not change.	A simulator on the other hand is considered to be dynamic because the variables that govern the performance of the model change.
4	A computer model tries to represent a real life situation.	A simulation can also be used to study imaginary or impossible situations. (eg life on Mars)

Similarities:
(A) Both computer modeling and simulations are computer applications which represent a real world or imaginary system.
(B) Both computer modeling and simulations help designers to save time and money.

Q. 6

Explain the benefits of Modeling and Simulation.
Since both modeling and simulation involves building Computer Models, rather than real ones, they result in a huge savings in cost.
Modeling and Simulations are cheaper, faster and easier than making and testing different real life models.
Modeling and simulations can be used repeatedly without having to re-build models.
The efficiency of the person using M&S techniques and also the organization improves.
Since these techniques are flexible and dynamic, they can be used for simulation of complex situations.
Unexpected behavior will also show up as the use of M&S techniques allow us to perform testing of the system under extreme conditions.

Q. 7

Advanced stuff: (Not to be studied)
What is invariance and covariance?

Invariance refers to the property of objects (quantities) being left unchanged by symmetry operations.
Covariance refers to equations which do not change even after a change of the coordinate system.
Contravariance refers to equations whose form changes after a change in the coordinate system.

These terms come from a branch of Mathematics and Physics called Lorentz transformations.

These terms also occur in Computer Programming where they refer to different types of variables.

George Ferrao

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

ICT in Day to Day Life

ICT in Day to Day Life

Q. 1	Explain Social problems with ICT. There are some negative effects of ICT especially in Social Networking applications. People, especially the youth today find it easier to communicate online than in face-to-face interactions. People become more individualistic and introvert. Cyber-bullying is one of the problems prevalent on Social Networking Sites. These sites thus have an adverse effect on the minds of young people.
Q. 2	What are the advantages of e-Commerce? E-Commerce has several advantages over traditional ways of conducting business. Lower cost: Since costs related to advertising, storage and Showrooms are reduced the product now costs less. This benefit can be passed on to the buyer. Customer Service: As the transaction is done online, the other aspects such as After Sales Service can also be handled conveniently using the Internet. This further reduces the cost and also quickens the process. Comparison Shopping: Since the product is purchased online, it is easy for the buyer to make a quick comparison and find the best product that satisfies his needs. No requirement of the middle man: All stages in the buying and selling processes are handled directly between the manufacturer and the buyer. The elimination of the middle man and the resulting cost benefits is one of the important advantages of e-Commerce. Information Sharing and Control: Since there is a direct interaction between the manufacturer and the user, the information is shared quickly. The seller is available 24X7. Customers do not face problems of crowds or traffic jams and do not have to carry heavy bags.
Q. 3	What is the impact of ICT in our Daily life? The increased use of ICT in Our daily lives has had many benefits and also created some problems. Benefits: The use of ICT has greatly increased the speed of communication, besides making it cheaper and more reliable. News or messages can be instantly sent between friends or to conduct business transactions. The use of ICT makes the sharing of information more effective and quicker. The use of forums, blogs, discussion groups and mailing lists makes sharing of information easy for everyone. Electronic Communication makes the transmission and storage of documents easy. This paperless environment eliminates the need for physical storage of documents. Problems: The use of ICT for online communication and social networking has made some people more introvert and individualistic. Cyber Bullying is also a major concern especially for young children. Cyber crimes like e-frauds and identity theft is also increasing. Health problems such as headaches, eye strain, neck, hands and back pain resulting from long hours spent in front of the Computer and bad posture is also on the rise.
Q. 4	How can ICT be used in Social Network, friends and family events? The increased availability of High Speed Internet Access at lower costs means that all electronic communication is now available quickly and cheaply. This means that we can send information by several modes viz. e-mail, instant messenger, or even via some social networking site. This information can be easily shared and thus a wider audience is reached in a short space of time.
Q. 5	How can ICT be used in the Education System? The use of ICT in the field of Education has made the learning process more enjoyable both for the students as well as the teachers. Audio visual presentations, computer animations and simulations allow students to experience the topics under discussion more meaningfully. School administrators also use ICT to make their work easier. Besides this ICT plays a special role in the following areas. Evaluation. Online testing has now become easier as Multiple choice questions, True or False, Fill in the blanks and Match the following type questions can be easily done by students with Evaluation being done by the Computers. This makes the process of evaluation and testing virtually error –free. Remedial Teaching. Today our society is increasingly focused on the special needs of students who are slow learners. Teaching such children can be very time consuming and a strain on the teaching resources. The use of Computers, along with special programs and software has resulted in the benefits of ICT being available for Remedial Teaching also. Virtual Laboratories. The development of Computer Based Virtual Laboratories eliminates the need for costly laboratory equipment. Virtual Laboratories also make the learning process safe. On-line Tutoring Online tutoring is a great boon for those who are unable to go to a formal school. In this system, there is usually a one-to-one interaction between the student and the teacher over a high-speed Internet connection. The teacher uses a smart board or a PowerPoint presentation to answer questions posed by the student. Developing Instructional Material. Many teachers have specialized in certain areas. By preparing videos, presentations and other instructional material, students from far away places or even other teachers can benefit from these experts.
Q. 6	How is ICT used in the banking sector and in industry? Banking: The extensive use of Computers in the Banking Sector has transformed the way Banks operate. Computers are today routinely used to print passbooks, Account Statements, or issue receipts. Almost all banks today have an online banking facility which allows customers to conduct their banking activities 24X7. The use of ATMs linked to the banks computers also helps in the smooth functioning of the banks. Obtaining loans either for personal use or even by businesses has now become easier. Systems such as Electronic Clearing Service (ECS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) allows large amounts of money to be quickly transferred from one account to another without errors. Industry ICT is used in all stages in Industry, right from planning, product design, production, and inventory. The use of ICT in Industry benefits the workers, managers and also the administrators. Workers use Computer controlled systems during production as well as quality control. Dangerous or routine jobs in industry are handled by robots which are controlled by Computers. Researchers and Administrators analyze data from the factories and also from the Market and come up with ways to improve the profitability of the industry.
Q. 7	Write short note on ICT and health. Since one of the most important components of ICT is the Computer, most of the health risks of ICT are related to improper use of Computers. Frequent use of the Computer results in bad eyesight, neck and back pain, and general fatigue. Repetitive Stress Injuries like Carpel Tunnel Syndrome cause problems in the hands, wrists and arms. This can be very painful at times. Headaches, high blood pressure and obesity can also result from overuse of Computers. Most of the above problems can be remedied by adopting a correct posture while working on computers. Taking regular breaks and looking away from the computer screen at regular intervals prevents eyestrain. Increasing the size of the text on the screen and sitting at the correct distance from the Monitor also helps to prevent problems.
	George Ferrao

Monday, 16 September 2013

Global Warming Causes Rising Land Levels