Chapter 11: Generating and Testing Hypotheses

One of the math projects that I typically have my students complete at the beginning of the year requires them to keep track of a budget. I tell my students that they earn "X" number of dollars at their job, as well as how many children they have (if any). Students are told to document how much money they spend per week on various household items, utilities, car/transportation, housing, and "extras." Students always record their information in a pre-made sheet, but I think that using Spread Sheet is a better idea. Students can create their columns and enter in their data. Students will also learn how to use the formula function within the program. This will make the data collection process much easier for the students, and grading much easier for me.

With science, and even math, I love using Vernier probes and my graphing calculator. These tools allow students to immediately observe what is happening, and they can also predict what will happen with the next trial. It's fun to do investigations with miniature cars. Students create ramps from textbooks and rulers, and race their cars down the ramps at different inclines. Students use the probeware to determine speed and distance. They can record their results, adjust their incline, and predict what will happen with the next run. Students enjoy using the probeware because it does most of the work for them. I always have them record their data and re-create the graphs that they saw on the calculator.