The Data Grapher applet allows users to enter data and create bar graphs, line graphs, pie graphs, or pictographs. Users can enter data in columns and rows, label the graphs, and preview the final graph. While the applet covers different graph types and is easy to use, it does not allow saving graphs or printing data tables.

1. Applet Analysis:
Data Grapher

2. Data Grapher
O The data grapher is an applet device that
allows users to enter data and create four
different types of graphs:
O - Bar Graphs
O - Line Graphs
O - Pie Graphs
O - Pictographs
Link:
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID
=204

3. How It Works
- Users of this applet will first pick the type of graph
they wish to work with. Once this has been
decided, you can enter the data that you want to
chart in the columns and rows provided. By
clicking either ‘Add Row’ or ‘Add Column,’ users
may extend these fields to include all of their data.
- Labeling these graphs is also easy, as at the top of
the page users are provided with options to give
the graph a title, and give each the X-Axis and Y-
Axis a title as well (for bar and line graphs)
- Lastly, click on the preview button to see your final
masterpiece.

4. Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
- This applet covers a - Unexciting user interface
number of different styles - May be too complex for
of graphs. students in lower grade
- It is very easy to pick up levels.
and use without guidance - Does not allow you to
- Allows you to print out print out your data table
your final graph - Cannot save graphs
(easy to lose work)

5. Evaluation
O On the whole, this is quite a useful tool if you are
looking to create simple graphs from your data
sets.
O Students can use this applet independently
because the webpage includes instructions.
O The variety of graphing options is a definite plus.
O Having the ability to print your graphs lets students
take their work away from the screen.
O While it works for short term activities, it is not a
good tool to use in a long term project (because
you cannot save your work)

6. A Problem Based Task
O Task: Collect data on class pets. Translate
this data into a bar graph and a circle
graph.
O Connection to the standards:
O 1.MD.4 – Organize, represent, and
interpret data with up to three categories;
ask and answer questions about the total
number of data points, how many in each
category, and how many more or less are
in one category than in another.

7. Questions to Assess and
Advance Student Thinking
O Launch: If we brought all of our pets into
school on the same day, do you think
there would there be more cats or dogs?
O Explore: Looking at your graph on the
applet, was your prediction correct?
O Summarize: What other facts can you see
by looking at your graph?