Describes a project where computer-assisted graphical data analyses were introduced to inner-city high school students with weak math and science backgrounds. Provides examples of performance of students on open-ended problem-solving tasks. (PR)

Interpretation and construction of graphs are central to the study of physics and to performance in physics. In this paper, I explore the interpretation and construction processes called upon in questions with a graphical component, in Western Australian Physics Tertiary Entrance Examinations. In addition, I list errors made by students as…

Describes a series of activities without conclusions to introduce scientific reasoning in a ninth grade physical science course. Uses popcorn popping to get students to think about the concepts of graphing, histograms, frequency, probability, and scientific methodology. (CW)

The log C-pH diagram is a useful means of displaying quantitatively the many variables (including temperature) that determine acid-base equilibria in biological systems. Presents the diagram as extended to open/closed biological systems and derives a new water-ion balance method for determining equilibrium pH. (JN)

Examples of the use of hieroglyphics (glyphs) in science and medicine are presented. Suggests having academically talented science students use glyphs to make their own pictorial representations of their own data. (JN)

Differing treatments of graphs in mathematics and science are discussed. A teaching sequence to develop contrasts between real and ideal data is suggested. (MP)

Presented is a science activity which explains the discrepancies found between summer and winter solstice sunrise and sunset times. Used is a mathematical equation which takes into account the earth's changing speed and the tilt of the earth. (KR)

Uses a TI-82 graphics calculator to model the air drag of plastic, wood, cork, and foam balls during projectiles experiments. Provides equations and typical data table. (MVL)

Ecological case study data were used to determine high school pupils' and university students' ability to organize and use these data to predict outcomes of interaction between populations within a community. The poor quality of answers given by the respondents suggests that explicit teaching, prior to the use of the case study, may greatly…

Investigates the practices required for reading graphs in high school textbooks and scientific journals. Discusses the role of high school textbooks in the appropriation of authentic scientific graph-related practices. Finds that scientific journals provide more resources to facilitate graph reading and feature more elaborate descriptions and…

Describes a hands-on lesson in magnetism designed to be used with upper elementary grade students. Emphasizes structured experiences which involve the student in measuring, data collecting, graphing, and extrapolating information. (TW)

Graphical representations play an important role in both science and mathematics education. Graphs can summarize very complex information or relationships very effectively. Although graphs are explicitly taught in mathematics classrooms as an end in themselves, many subject areas such as science or social studies utilize graphs to represent and…

Reviews software for college/advanced high school-level physics designed to instruct/test students in vector arithmetic and analysis. Written for Apple II/II+ (Applesoft), the program menu contains seven items (including graphing and straight line fitting procedure). Excellent use of graphics and sound tutorial approach keep students' interest and…

An approach to teaching electrochemical driving force that helps students comprehend the forces that govern ion flux across biological membranes and sets the stage for more elaborate analysis of biochemical signals is presented. Background information and two sample problems and answers are included. (KR)

The abundance of life, the highly varied geologic formations, and climatic variations found in a wide range of deserts is presented. Misconceptions held about the desert are discussed. A list of resources and activities are included. (KR)