USING GOOGLE EARTH TO EXPLORE CONCEPTS OF SPHERICAL GEOMETRY IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.153132423105

• Palavras-chave: Non-Euclidean geometries. Spherical geometry. Cartography. Teaching mathematics. Curriculum Framework for Secondary Education in Paraná.

• Keywords: Non-Euclidean geometries. Spherical geometry. Cartography. Teaching mathematics. Curriculum Framework for Secondary Education in Paraná.

• Abstract:

  In this paper we present some concepts of spherical geometry, such as spherical surface, spherical line, spherical line segments, spherical coordinates, spherical triangles and spherical trigonometry, and propose two activities that contextualize these concepts. In the activities, designed for the Mathematics Degree Course, we covered cartography concepts using Google Earth, a computer program that renders a 3D representation of the Earth based on satellite images. The activities were organized with the aim of equipping mathematics undergraduate students to teach non-Euclidean geometry, specifically spherical geometry, in accordance with the Paraná State Department of Education's Curriculum Framework for High School, on the teaching of non-Euclidean geometry in high school. We conclude that Google Earth is a fantastic tool for teaching spherical geometry, enabling interdisciplinary interactions with geography, specifically cartography.