1. S IMULATIONS AND D ATA A NALYSIS Chapter 12

2. D ATA A NALYSIS What is data analysis? “…the process of transforming data into information…in the process of answering a question.” (pg 310) “…the question is the key part of the process.” (pg 310)

3. D ATA A NALYSIS In technology, data analysis consists of o Statistics o Computer Science o Pattern Recognition o Artificial Intelligence o Machine Learning

4. D ATA A NALYSIS Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) o Established by John W. Tukey o Investigate data with an open mind and few assumptions o “find patterns in data for hypothesis generation and refinement” (310)

5. D ATA A NALYSIS Computers can be used as problem solving tools. With PreK-12 students, certain cognitive skills must be emphasized. o Analyzing a variety of problems and understanding how to select and use productivity tools to find solutions o Understand the theoretical background in order to use software to solve a variety of problems in personal and professional activities

6. NCTM G OALS FOR D ATA A NALYSIS AND P ROBA B ILITITY Formulate questions that can be addressed with data; collect, organize, and display appropriate data to answer these questions. Select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data. Develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data. Understand and apply basic concepts of probability. (pg. 311)

7. S IMULATIONS What is a simulation? “…the process of imitating a real situation or object with a set of mathematical formulas.” (pg. 311) They can imitate weather, chemical reactions, medial techniques, etc. When creating a simulation… - Clearly define the situation or object - Determine the most important factors

8. I NTEGRATING S IMULATIONS IN THE C LASSROOM Integrate the simulation software as an important part of the curriculum, not just as an addition Students should use the simulation for an extended period of time Students should be engaged in extension activities based on the skills used in the simulation

9. C OMPUTER S IMULATIONS Visualize the invisible Manipulate variables, observe results, and draw conclusions Facilitate role playing Use gaming approaches Mimic real-world situations Involve multiple participants (pg. 311)

10. C REATING S IMLUATIONS HTML JavaScript (scripting language) Authoring environments (Director) Animation environments (Flash) Java (programming language) Students can create their own simulations: KidSim www.acypher.com/Publications/CACM/KidSimCACM.html SimCalc http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/SimCalc

11. S TATISTICS What is statistics? “…a set of methods used to collect, analyze, present, and interpret data.” (pg 312) Statistics interpret data to make inferences and predictions

12. S TATISTICS S OFTWARE Can be used to create curriculum units, educational resources, and learning activities Should encourage understanding of the simulated interactions through direct feedback - Self: reflect and write about the experience - Peer: share reactions - Teacher

13. I NSPIRE D ATA This statistics and data analysis software allows students… o To collect, organize, and analyze their own data o To discover the meaning of data collection and analysis o To build databases o Visually analyze data with multiple plot types See pages 312-313 to see what InspireData can do www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiredata/index.cfm

14. I MPORTANT TO N OTE … Do not rely on software to teach higher-order thinking skills. o Teachers must help students make connections o Encourage students to explain their thinking

15. S IMULATION W EBSITES AND D ATA R ESOURCES Simulations SimEarth and SimCity Classic Chemistry Simulations http://ir.chem.cmu.edu/irProject Physics Java Applets www.walter-fendt.de/ph11e The Electronic United Nations www.simulations.com/cont1.htm

16. S IMULATION W EBSITES AND D ATA R ESOURCES Activity Examples Chaos Game http://math.bu.edu./DYSYS/applets/chaos- game.html Statistical Teaching Activities www.statcan.ca/english.kits/teach/htm WebWinds http://asds.stsci.edu/packages;graphics/WebWinds. html

17. S IMULATION W EBSITES AND D ATA R ESOURCES Online Resources and Data Sets Bureau of Census data http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFacts/Servletw ww.census.gov/main/www/access/html Liberty Library of Constitutional Classics www.constitution.org/liberlib.htm U.S. Federal Election Commission www.fec.gov Please see pages 314-317 for additional websites and resources.

18. W ORKS C ITED Bitter, Gary G. and Jane M. Legacy. Using Technology. 7 th ed. Boston: Boston 2008. Print.