Describes an activity to determine whether the length of the yellow (warning) signal of a traffic light provides adequate time to stop or pass through the intersection. Discusses the necessary equations, mathematics, and subsequent graphs. (MVL)

The eight articles and two commentaries of this theme issue indicate the main lines of thinking represented at a symposium on the comprehension of graphics in text. The common assumption is that graphics per se do not have a direct effect on learning results but are effective only when processed adequately. (SLD)

This National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) instructional module compares classical test theory and item response theory and describes their applications in test development. Related concepts, models, and methods are explored; and advantages and disadvantages of each framework are reviewed. (SLD)

Suggests an alternate way to determine the fractal dimension of bread by means of a dimensionally correct graphical analysis. (WRM)

Addresses the difficulties students have in acquiring graphical problem-solving skills. Presents some techniques and concepts intended to help students overcome them. Contains 15 references. (Author/ASK)

Focuses on inquiry-based science instruction for third grade elementary school students. Presents an activity on analyzing data using a graph. Explains what students learn from inquiry-based instruction. (YDS)

Describes the PMOSE/IKIRSCH document readability formula, which provides a measure of document complexity (looking at structure and density) of a wide array of different document types (including lists, schedules, tables, graphs, charts, indexes, time lines, maps, calendars, and forms). Discusses implications of the formula in terms of document…

Presents an activity on linear functions that is designed to help students become familiar with the graphs, equations, and tables of these functions while focusing on issues related to cost, revenue, and profit. (ASK)

Examines the difficulties 19 preservice elementary and middle school teachers experienced when creating and interpreting graphs in which speed is one of the variables. Identifies four cognitive obstacles held by the preservice teachers and provides excerpts of their graphical constructions and verbal interpretations. Discusses potential causes for…

Reports on a content analysis of data graphs in introductory level and upper level psychology textbooks. Explains that upper level and introductory textbooks did not differ on the frequency and variability of data graph presentation. Presents the results and discusses implications for teachers of psychology. (CMK)

Presents a general chemistry stoichiometry experiment using materials involved in everyday life. From this activity, students learn that a chemical reaction occurs when an Alka-Seltzer tablet is dropped into water. Students also practice plotting experimental data through the use of a graphing program. Interpretation of the graph helps them…

Explores change in three mathematics environments by presenting three episodes of an activity in which students study patterns of change through tables and graphs and are asked to make a trip in three different environments that include Cuisenaire rods and meter sticks, tables of numbers on paper, and Trips software. (ASK)

Uses the zooming technology of graphing calculators and certain graphing software to help middle school students extend their understanding of slope to curved graphs. (ASK)

Examines the developmental needs for Web-based courses, focusing on content, user interface, and pedagogy. Studies the Web course development process as a system, explores various stages in the process, and includes graphs and tables designed to be used as management tools for the effective development of Web-based courses. (Author/LRW)

Students at the middle school level are expected to use appropriate tools and techniques, including mathematics and graphing, to analyze and interpret data and communicate experimental findings. Measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode--see sidebar for definitions) are often used as descriptive statistics when students conduct…