Dicussing Basic Graphing Essentials and Examining Patterns of Predictable Data

Students were called upon to assemble the essentials of graphing data in a table in class today. They should have in their class notes both their observations of a graph they examined as well as a graph of their own creation.

Students observed that graphs should include the following elements:

• A descriptive title and labels on the axes.
• Units of measure on the labels (for instance time can be recorded in a variety of ways: seconds, hours, days...)
• Organization - using the grid lines on a sheet of graph paper as reference points and paying attention to how carefully data is plotted
• Scale - where should the values on each axis begin and end
• Increments - what set of incremental values make the most sense on each axis

Additionally, students were given a copy of two exemplars, examples of high-quality home nugget lessons that they can use to figure out how to achieve high marks for themselves. Please ask to see these as they are incredibly valuable resources.

Finally, as a gesture of good faith, I awarded all students who were present a 4 on home nugget #3 to demonstrate an understanding that they need a chance to acclimate and get accustomed to class standards.

Home Nugget #4
Assigned on Wednesday September 12, 2007
Due on Thursday September 13, 2007
In the book Moving Straight Ahead,
Redo page 9 problem #1
Page 10 #5
Page 11 #6, 7, 8

FCAs (Focus Correction Areas)
2 points: your presentation is neat (including handwriting and general appearance of the paper itself)
1 point: all problems completed
1 point: answer questions in their entirety. (if you are asked to explain, then do so)