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Box plots and histograms are used to summarize data graphically. Each has its value and students need to work with a data set they are comfortable with, switching between the box plot (sometimes called a "box and whisker" plot) and a histogram for the same data. To get a feeling for the meaning of the graphical representation in each form, students should collect a small data set of their own. Observe how the plot changes with the insertion of each data point. Ask about what the box portion of the data represents and what is represented in each of the tails or whiskers. Toggle back and forth and look at the same data in histogram form, asking comparable questions. After students are comfortable with the appearance of the default histogram, begin experimenting with the Cell Width slider. The data do not change, but the histogram may change quite dramatically. After students have developed a good feel for what they see in a box plot or histogram for a given data, then they can begin to see what the computed statistics reveal about the same data and how they are reflected in the box plot or histogram.

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The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is a three-year NSF supported project to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-8 emphasis). The project includes dissemination and extensive internal and external evaluation. For more information, please visit http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html.

Principal Investigators
Larry Cannon
Jim Dorward
Bob Heal
Leo Edwards

Java Applet Programming
Ethy Cannon
Joel Duffin
David Stowell
Zeke Susman
Richard Wellman
Jennifer Youngberg

Web Site Programming
Joel Duffin