Middle-school students are expected to understand key components of graphs, such as slope and y-intercept. However, constructing graphs is a skill that has received relatively little research attention. This study examined students' construction of graphs of linear functions, focusing specifically on the relative difficulties of graphing slope and…

Examines the line graphing ability of middle/high school students (N=625) to provide baseline data on the mastery of line graphing subskills. Results show that seventh- and eighth-grade students were less successful in graphing than high school students, suggesting that graphing skills should be introduced and emphasized in earlier grades. (JN)

Examines pencil-and-paper graphs produced by students at the beginning of a 1-week summer teacher/student institute as well as computer-based graphs produced by those same students at the end of the institute. Initial problems with managing data sets and producing meaningful graphs disappeared quickly as students used the process of "building…

This experiment designed for beginning physics students, is related to postal regulations restricting the size of envelopes. A graph is constructed that allows for testing the mailability of envelopes. (MP)

Presents a secondary classroom investigation into mathematical modeling techniques with the graphing calculator using a match stick puzzle. Geometric models, through their corresponding area formulas, are constructed, tested, and analyzed graphically to fit specified problem conditions. (Author/MKR)

A sample of 134 sixth-grade students who were using the Connected Mathematics curriculum were administered an open-ended item entitled, Vet Club (Balanced Assessment, 2000). This paper explores the role of misconceptions and naive conceptions in the acquisition of statistical thinking for middle grades students. Students exhibited misconceptions…

Weather data gathered from the local newspaper can be used in teaching a unit on statistics. (SD)

Shows how five points determine the formula of a conic section and uses the determinant as a computational device to find the coefficients in the formula. Uses symbolic, numerical, and graphical techniques. (Author/MKR)

Addresses three issues of Calculator-based Ranger (CBR) activities on graphing abilities: (a) the effect of CBR activities on graphing abilities; (b) the extent to which prior knowledge about graphing skills affects graphing ability; and (c) the influence of instructional styles on students' graphing abilities. Indicates that CBR activities are…

Introduces a strategy for writing equations of graphs to help students and teachers build strong conceptual connections between the symbolic representations of algebra and the spatial representations of geometry. (Author/MKR)

Graphical solutions are illustrated for several algebra problems including finding roots of a quadratic equation, solving mixture and motion word problems, factoring the difference of two squares, and constructing the square root of a positive number. (MN)

Graph theory is presented as a tool to instruct high school mathematics students. A variety of real world problems can be modeled which help students recognize the importance and difficulty of applying mathematics. (MP)

Graphs and charts are discussed in terms of levels of applications and skills necessary for effective use. Five activities, most appropriate for upper-elementary or junior high students, are suggested. (MK)