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…

Describes an activity in which students use data analysis and mathematical modeling to obtain insight into a geometrical question. Explores a simple case of the isoperimetric inequalities. (KHR)

Presents strategies that utilize graphing calculators and computer software to help students understand the concept of minimizing the squared residuals to find the line of best fit. Includes directions for least-squares drawings using a variety of technologies. (DDR)