by Geoff Geltner, Riverside Brookfield High School
As there are often different ways to learn about a topic, there are also many ways to present and analyze a subject as well. Data is used in mathematics to create equations, represent real-life situations and tie together key concepts. Besides for many different types of data, there are also several ways that the data can be represented. It is in these ways that gives students multiple outlooks and perspectives on a single concept, leading to a better understanding of the material.
Introduction
If you needed $1 to cover the cost for something, how many different ways could you pay for the item? Most people would say a dollar bill, but what about four quarters? Ten dimes? Twenty nickels? Money is just one example of where the same idea or concept can be conveyed in many different ways. The same can be said about many mathematical concepts.
A big part of learning mathematics is being able to use, manipulate, and understand data. However, too many times the data is consistently presented in the same manner, leaving very little variety and new ideas to explore. Another key mathematical concept is functions, and once again this topic is usually very stoic and straightforward. These two subjects can be combined together and represented in a wide array of styles in order to promote a better understanding of how they work and what they can represent. It will be your group's goal to do this in the most effective and creative way possible.