Data Analysis Summary

Tuesday, July 10

We began by discussing the possible aspects that might be placed on our survey. We will use this info within the FATHOM program and do various and sundry things with the data (not sure what we will do just yet!)

The Physics group gave us some of the experiments they are performing and want us to know they are willing to work with us, showing us their experiments and collecting data from their experiments for us to analyze in different ways using FATHOM.

The members of the group were asked to find 3-4 different web sites that might be useful for teachers if they want to use the FATHOM program within their classroom. Members were more than enthusiastic to help me.

Nancy Birkenhauer gave us the program Committee Report, asking if all was going well.

Members of the group then went to the computer lab to continue familiarizing themselves with FATHOM. Two simulations were conducted.

1. Area and Perimeter: Looking at area and perimeter from a data perspective to see what we get. We used FATHOM to generate the measurements for rectangles randomly and explore the relationships.

2. Random Walk: A random walk is a process in which, for every step, you flip a coin. Heads, you step east, tails, you step west. On the average youšll wind up where you started---or will you? It depends on what you mean by average. This activity helped us explore the random-walk situation.

Many questions are being answered by members while working together and some observations are pretty enlightening, We will continue working on Thursday. Boy, does two hours fly by!!!

Back to Journal Index