An Introduction to Fathom: Mammals’ Brains
Noemi Waight UIUC June 21, 2001
What is Fathom?
Statistical software that explores data dynamically Allows you to use data to get a more in-depth understanding of science, math, statistics, social science gather, explore, and graphically analyze data http://mtl.math.uiuc.edu/modules/fathom/part1.ht ml
The Structure of Fathom
A collection box
A collection box with data
A collection showing its cases
Inspector controls properties of an object
A Case Table
A row represents one case A column represents an attribute
Graphs
Cont..
Formula Editor
Mammals’ Brains
Brain sizes of 62 mammals Mammals with the largest and smallest brains
Make a Prediction
1.
2.
Assume that you could weigh the brains of the African elephant, mountain beaver, human, and rat. Predict their order from largest to smallest brain, based on brain weight. Explain your reasoning. Assume that you could weigh these mammals’ bodies, too. Would the four body weights go in the same order as the brain weights
Cont..
3. Assume that you calculate the ratio of brain weight to body weight for these 4 mammals. Predict their order from largest to smallest brain based on brain-to-body ratio. Explain your reasoning.
Let’s Investigate
Open the document Mammals.ftm Will work on this activity using the fathom handout as a guide
Extension Activity: Arm Span
Brainstorm
Do
taller people have bigger wrists? How is height related to arm span or other kinds of bone-length measurements? Which measurements allow us to best predict someone’s arm span?
The Arm Span Activity
Use the handout to guide you through the activity.
Discussion
Questions, Comments? References:
Binker,
J., Finzer, W. & Erickson, T. (2005). Fathom dynamic data software: Learning guide. California: Key Curriculum Press. Aviles-Scott, C., Erickson, T. & David, C. (2005). Teaching Mathematics with Fathom dynamic data software: Blackline activity masters for version 2. California: Key Curriculum Press. http://www.keypress.com/fathom/