Unit: Stock Market Game: Graphing Stocks

HOW IT WORKSProject URL: http://www.teachnet-lab.org/PS101/chornik/graphingstocks.htm

In this program, students in grades five through twelve produce computer-generated graphs charting the progress of various stocks over a four- to six-week period. Teacher preparation steps include locating appropriate Web sites for finding daily stock quotes and preparing sample computer-generated bar and line graphs using Kid Pix drawing tools. Student activities include forming cooperative learning groups to follow day-to-day changes in stocks they have chosen to invest in, using Kid Pix to create bar and line graphs that depict the progress of their stocks, and printing and sharing their graphs with the class. The students are assessed by the accuracy and quality of the graphs they produce.

WHAT YOU NEED

This program requires six class periods to complete. Software materials used include Kid Pix, ClarisWorks, AppleWorks, or Microsoft Work. The required teacher technology skills include using drawing and painting tools to create graphs, and using the Internet to research stock quotes. Required student technology skills include using drawing and painting tools, constructing a graph, using the Internet to research stock quotes, and printing work created on a computer.

OVERALL VALUE TIPS

A follow-up lesson could focus on the use of spreadsheet application to create graphs.

STANDARDS

Students predict results and analyze data, read and interpret information from a graph, describe and compare quantities, collect and organize data to answer a question, and make statements and draw conclusions based on data.

RELATED LINKS

Carolyn Hornik has been a New York City public school teacher for twenty five years (12 years as a classroom teacher in third, fourth, and fifth grades and 13 years as a technology coordinator.) She teaches in-service courses for the New York City Board of Education After School Professional Development Program and on-line courses for new teachers through Teachers Network.

Chornik@aol.com

Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 10 or more

Subject: English, Social Studies

Beginning Grade Level: 4

Ending Grade Level: 8