ERIC Number: EJ813436
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Oct
Pages: 7
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5769
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Can You Fathom This? Connecting Data Analysis, Algebra, and Geometry with Probability Simulation
Edwards, Michael Todd; Phelps, Steve
Mathematics Teacher, v102 n3 p210-216 Oct 2008
Data analysis plays a prominent role in various facets of modern life: Schools evaluate and revise programs on the basis of test scores; policymakers make decisions on the basis of information gleaned from polling data; supermarkets stock shelves on the basis of data collected at checkout lanes. Data analysis provides teachers with new tools and new methods for exploring mathematical concepts. In this article, the authors illustrate ways in which data simulation and visualization tools have opened up new pathways for learning as they explore several rich mathematics tasks by using Fathom dynamic data analysis software. As their examples suggest, the availability of intuitive, drag-and-drop data visualization and simulation tools blurs the distinctions between algebra, geometry, and data analysis in the secondary school curriculum. (Contains 16 figures and a bibliography.)
Descriptors: Visualization, Data Analysis, Mathematical Concepts, Probability, Geometry, Algebra, Secondary School Curriculum, Simulation, Correlation, Mathematics Instruction, Computer Software, Computer Uses in Education, Secondary School Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A