Presents an alternate approach to teaching quadratics by fully integrating the study of quadratic equations and quadratic functions using graphs. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents a teacher's guide and reproducible student worksheets to develop the procedure for finding the inverse of a function. (MKR)

Describes a one-week lesson in which gummy-bears candy was used to illustrate sampling procedures and to generate discussion and questions. Reports data results and students' reactions to problems of representation after holding an election. (MKR)

Illustrates how to use computer simulation models in statistics to study the quality of an estimation procedure and concurrently the subtle concepts of randomness and convergence. Special emphasis is given to the use of graphical representations. (MKR)

Analysis of a sample of 100 pupil scripts from a British Assessment of Performance Unit survey suggests that ability to read and interpret graphical data should not be seen as an independent process skill. Instead, hidden cognitive demands of assessment items require integrated understanding based on a sophisticated procedural model. (SK)

Discusses the geometric interpretation of the roots of a quadratic equation. (MKR)

Introduces a strategy for writing equations of graphs to help students and teachers build strong conceptual connections between the symbolic representations of algebra and the spatial representations of geometry. (Author/MKR)

Provides a graphical framework for presenting interactions among current account flows, capital account flows, and exchange rates. Suggests that the two type of flows must be considered separately in discussions of foreign exchange equilibrium and balance of payments flows. Supplies sample graphs and instructions for applying the framework to real…

Discusses the types and functions of graphic displays found in textbooks, whether they facilitate learning, how well students read graphic displays, and what classroom teachers can do to help students read and interpret graphic displays. (SR)

Describes graphical techniques to help explain the multiple creation of deposits that accompany lending in a fractional reserve banking system. Presents a model that emphasizes the banking system, the interaction of total permitted, required, and excess reserves and deposits. Argues that the approach simplifies information to examining a slope…

A procedure that allows students to view an entire bacterial growth curve during a two- to three-hour student laboratory period is described. Observations of the lag phase, logarithmic phase, maximum stationary phase, and phase of decline are possible. A nonpathogenic, marine bacterium is used in the investigation. (KR)

Described is the use of two types of physical sensors, a motion sensor, and a light gate, which enable the microcomputer to be used as a measuring instrument for practical experiments on motion. (KR)

Kernel smoothing methods for nonparametric item characteristic curve estimation are reviewed. A simulation with 500 examinees and real data from 3,000 records of the Graduate Record Examination illustrate the rapidity of kernel smoothing. Even when population curves are three-parameter logistic, simulation suggests no loss of efficiency. (SLD)

Discussion of search strategies in information retrieval systems focuses on the implementation of document ranking based on inverted files. Highlights include descriptions of three heuristic methods for implementing a weighting strategy and a comparison of two methods for estimating retrieval accuracy, including document movement and linear…

Examines the statistical distribution of relevance judgments by reviewing and comparing the results of several studies over the last three decades. A characteristic distribution is examined, and a hypothesis is offered to explain it based on human judging characteristics and the nature of relevance experimentation. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)