Chance and data: New opportunities provided by the graphics calculator

Kissane, B. (1997) Chance and data: New opportunities provided by the graphics calculator. In: 2nd Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics, 19 - 22 June 1997, Universiti Sains, Penang, Malaysia.

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Abstract

The graphics calculator has found many uses in secondary school algebra and calculus, but possibilities in relation to chance and data have been less well publicised. This paper provides an analysis of the potential for using graphics calculators in the chance and data components of school curricula. Differences between scientific and graphics calculators are highlighted, most notably concerned with an aspect of the storage of data. A number of kinds of graphics calculator use are described and exemplified: graphical and numerical data analysis, data transformations, simulation, statistical inference and automatic data collection by calculator. Implications of these for school curricula and for teaching practice are suggested.