In this article, the authors share activities designed to help students make a connection between the complex roots of X[superscript 2] - 2x + 5 = 0 and the graph of y = X[superscript 2] - 2x + 5. We piloted these activities in three precalculus classes. The activities involved both concrete and technological representations of the mathematical…

This exercise helps instructors teach students how to perform a simple event study. The study tests to see if stocks earn abnormal returns when added to the S&P 500. Students select a random sample of stocks that were added to the index between January 2000 and July 2015. The accompanying spreadsheet calculates cumulative abnormal returns and…

Since the dawn of civilization, pictorial representations and symbols have been used to communicate simple statistics. Efficient and effective, they are still used today in the form of pictures and graphs to record and present data. Who can tie their shoes? How many calories are in your favorite food? Make data and graphs relevant and interesting…

This brochure contains an activity for grades 9-12 that involves students in an examination of real versus perceived risks. Students perform a risk factor analysis, and evaluate benefits and risks of energy sources. The activity can be conducted by individuals or small groups. Students rank a series of life-threatening risks and compare them to…

Presents an investigation using data collected by students to explore timelines and pie charts. The activity begins with having students keep a chronological record of their activities for one 24-hour period to create and analyze pie charts that show how they have spent their time. Activity sheet also included. (ASK)

Compares observed to expected counts of white, African American, and Hispanic major-league baseball players (n=650) in 1989. Uses chi-square values to determine that racial differences are highly significant for pitcher, catcher, shortstop, and outfielder. Includes appendix with 1993 player counts and seven suggested student activities. (SEW)

Reasons for having students make graphs are noted. Then specific graphing topics and materials appropriate for young learners are presented, including life-sized, floor, clothespin, felt-face, block, and magnetic graphs, and polls of pupils. (MNS)

Graphs are used to help students keep records of their scores as they learn the basic facts. (MNS)

This booklet contains a representative sample of the efforts of colleagues at 11 institutions to use graphing calculators to enhance the teaching of calculus and precalculus. The first section contains examples of graphs for teachers to choose from for presentations, including: simple examples to illustrate some standard ideas in precalculus,…

Considering a fraction as directions for graphing a line through the origin of the x-y plane is suggested. Strengths and weaknesses of the idea are also discussed. (MNS)

Experiences in collecting and handling data are described. Activities dealing with measures of central tendency (including a computer program), measures of dispersion, an introduction to correlation, and use of graphs to display data are illustrated. (MNS)

Describes an activity in which students analyze data from the Olympics. Discusses assessment of the activity and provides sample assessment form. (MKR)

Illustrates exploration of composition of functions, translations, and inverse functions on a graphing calculator. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents an activity to help students overcome mathematics anxiety by collecting and organizing data through summarization and graphic representation. (MKR)

Presents a strategy for graphing conic sections on the polar plane without using a table of values by beginning with information gained from the graphs of circular functions. (MKR)