http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx

Graphs, graphs, graphs, we see them every where, as they are a valuable resource to display information.  They are found on TV, in the newspapers and magazines simply because they are an excellent way to communicate information and data in a visual display.  Since we are exposed to them at such an early age and with such frequency, understanding the information that they display is not difficult, however creating them is another story.  By using Create-A-Graph, students go through the step by step process to create a graph, meanwhile utilizing technology to emphasize each crucial step that is needed when graphing. 

As if this website isn’t cool enough with its graphing application, they take it one step further and offer a tutorial.  If you cannot decide which graph is best for the information and the process in which to create it this website will walk you through it.  Instead of me fumbling through and reiterating the steps for you, I have chosen to let you read them directly from the professionals.

Here’s How: Begin by logging on to the Internet and going to http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx if you are not already there.

A screen will appear with several options for what type of graph you want to build. If you are unsure of which type of graph you should use, read the “How Do I choose Which Graph to Use” section of the tutorial. Then select the appropriate graph by clicking the icon.

Once you have selected your graph, take a moment to read the Help menu on the left side of your screen. It will give you some tips about making your graph.

“Design”

Once you have selected which type of graph you want to use, you are asked to select several different settings for the layout of your graph. You can always go back and change, so try different options to see which works best.

For line graphs and area graphs, you will be asked to select a background color for your graph, the color you want the grid lines to be, the number of grid lines you want (how many segments do you want the y-axis separated into), whether you want the graph to be 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional, and where you want the legend for your graph to be.

For bar graphs, you will be asked to select the same things as above, but you will also need to select what kind of bars you want to have.

For pie charts, you will need to select what kind of filler you want the slices to have in addition to the general information. Notice you do not have to select information about grid lines, because a pie chart has no x or y-axis.

For X-Y plots, you will need to select which type of plot you wish to have in addition to the general information.

“Data”

After you have filled in all of the information on the Design Tab, you can select the Data Tab on the right side of the screen. Again, take a moment to read the help menu. It will explain each of the fields you are being asked to fill in.

Give your graph a title and identify the source of your data. If your graph has axes, you will need to label them.

Next you will need to select how many data points you are going to enter and whether you are entering one or more groups of data.

You will select the colors for your bars/lines/slices as well as the shape, size, and color of the points for line graphs and x-y plots.

After this, you need to enter your data and give each data a label that will appear along the x-axis or, of you are creating a pie chart, in the legend.

Finally, on this page you will be asked to select minimum and maximum values for the axes. They will be divided into equal segments depending on how many grid lines you selected on the previous page.

Once you have entered all of the information, you need to select the Labels tab on the right of your screen.

“Labels”

Now that you have all of your data entered, it is time to choose how you wish to label the data on your graph. Again, you should read the Help menu first.

Begin by choosing whether you want to show data labels or not. Then you can choose the position, font, and color of your data labels. The data labels are those that directly label each piece of data. (For example, bars in bar graph or slices in a pie char.)

Next, you can choose the color and size for the other text on your graph. (For example, Title, axis labels, Legend, etc.)

Finally, you should select the font you want all of your labels to appear in.

After you have completed all of the information, you can click on the Preview tab on the right side of the screen. This will allow you to see what your graph looks like. If you want to change anything, just select the appropriate tab and change the information. You can preview the graph after every change you make until you are satisfied with the final product.

Once you are satisfied, select the Print/Save Tab.

“Print/Save”

Now that your graph is complete, you can print, save, and email your graph, or you can start a new graph.

If you wish to erase your graph or start a new one, select the action under Project Tools.

If you wish to print your graph, simply select I.

In order to save your graph, click on I and choose what format you want to save it in and where you want to save the graph.

If you wish to email the graph to yourself or someone else, simply type in the email address and click Send. You will be able to make changes to the graph from the emailed link.

The information above can be found, at the following link courtesy of the Create A Graph website. 

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/help/user_guide/graph/index.asp

http://moodle.boone.kyschools.us

Let me guess, you have one application for your web site, another for your grades, multiple applications to create assignments and don’t forget your email for communication.  In today’s age of technology it is possible that you spend more time using your computer and updating technology than you do teaching your students.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a management system designed specifically to help educators?  Wait a minute, now you are thinking, how can I afford a management system on a teacher’s salary and with budget cuts there is no way the district is going to pay for such a priceless resource.

To answer your question…It’s Simple, It’s Free, It’s Moodle.

Ok, now that I have your attention, let me tell you what Moodle can do for you. 

· Moodle is a course management system (CMS) designed specifically for educators 

· Moodle promotes collaboration and communication

· Moodle has modules for creating websites, quizzes, assignments, glossaries, wiki’s, forums and your grade book all on one website

· Moodle is suitable for supplementing your face to face classes as well as 100% online courses

It all starts with a teacher website designed by Moodle, so let’s get started.  For those of you in Boone County, all the basic information you need has already been downloaded to the county server (For the rest of you I recommend meeting with your tech coordinator), so it’s time to create your profile.   

Here’s How:  Once you access the website click “Login” in the upper right hand corner.  The Login Screen will appear, type in your user name and password, the same as you use to log into your school computer, then click “Login”.  Since this is your first time logging in you will have to update your profile, this part is self explanatory, just fill in the fields with your name, email and description.  Your description should include where and what you teach along with anything else you choose.  After entering all of your information be sure to click “Update Profile” at the bottom of the page. 

The next step is to change your settings.   Make sure you are logged in and then you will need to Turn Editing “On”.   Next click on “Settings” which is located on the left side of the page under the heading Administration, once you are on the “Settings” screen you will be able to update the General section.  This is where you can choose the Theme of your site, the Format, as well as the Course Name and Summary.  This section is also self explanatory, just fill in the blank fields as you go.  When all of your changes have been made, be sure to click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page.  Of course you still have a lot of work to do to customize your website, add assignments, and create items such as your blog, however at this point you have the basic site up and running.  Where you take your site from here is up to you. 

http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/

I can’t tell you how lucky I was to stumble across a site as valuable as Shodor.  Shodor is a national resource for computational science and education.  They have a mission to advance science and math education through the use of computations science, modeling and technology, and they do just that, and very well I might add.   I am going to focus on the curriculum materials, specifically Interactivate, but you should be aware that the site offers options for faculty development and student internships and workshops. 

Interactivate is comprised of lesson, activities and discussions that facilitate and encourage exploration in science and mathematics.  Again, I must mention that I am a math teacher and therefore cannot comment sufficiently on the science portion of Interactivate, but the math activities are terrific.  If you have ever wanted materials to support your lessons, this is the way to go; Interactivate has interactive games that reinforce what you have taught your students and in doing so incorporates technology.  Any lesson that you can think of you can find an activity to support it (149 to be exact).  The site is easy to maneuver; there are multiple ways to find exactly what you are looking for, I will explain the route that I find to be the most beneficial. 

Here’s How:  Once you access the website you will see two separate sections, one for Learners and another for Instructors.  Under the Learners section, click on “Activities”, this is a good option when you want to allow your students time to look around and check out what is available and is helpful for the teacher as well.  The reason I like this choice is because you are given a descriptive list of all of the activities, separated by topic.  One the first screen you will notice that Number and Operations is selected and all of the topics related to Number and Operations are listed and describe underneath.  You also have a list of other areas such as Geometry, Algebra, Probability, etc., clicking on any of these headings will provide you with a list of the activities that pertain to that specific area.  Again, this is just the route that I choose to take because I find it easy to click on the heading of the area of math that I am focusing on and getting to see a description of each activity available.  If you want to cut right to the chase than there is also a “Search” box available, in which you can type in exactly what you are looking for.

 I recommend that you take some time and see what is available to you.  Although they request donations, this site is free and is an excellent resource, it will save you from purchasing separate games and applications that cost a lot, and what is available is priceless.