Page 21 - THE MATHMATE November 2024
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compare the meanings each representation midline for each group listed on the y-axis has
conveys about the situation. This is just what a value of zero. The ‘kite’ is drawn
kite diagrams do. Making a kite diagram has symmetrically both above and below the
students reasoning mathematically as they horizontal line to represent the data. The tricky
represent and translate data into squares on part is selecting how many individuals are to
graph paper. It helps them understand the role be represented by each graph paper square.
mathematics plays in the world outside of math Follow these steps, which are described in
class, and they learn to select the appropriate depth in the Teacher’s Key (see supplemental
mathematical tool, using math effectively when resources), to make a kite diagram:
presented with a life science scenario.
(1) Mark the x-axis, spacing out the transect
Kite diagrams are a great way to connect distances evenly.
mathematics with science or geography. In
biology, when researching a rocky shoreline, (2) Mark the y-axis by dividing the number of
biologists will take one square meter quadrat squares you have on your graph paper by
samples of organisms along a longer distance the number of groups that need to go on
(the transect) leading from the beach to the top the y-axis. For each group, write the
of the rocks. They can then compare group’s name at the midline, with an equal
population size and density, or abundance, of number of squares left above and below
different organisms versus height above sea the midline. For more than 6-8 groups, you
level. Zonation patterns become clear very may want either graph paper with smaller
easily when graphing the data on a kite squares, or you can tape two sheets
diagram. In South Carolina, you may find that together.
algae, for example, won’t go above a certain
height above the beach, and that the middle (3) Decide how many individuals will be
zones are occupied by mussels and oysters, represented by one square – this involves
and barnacles start taking over in the higher finding your largest data point, and the
part of the middle zone, and remain dominant number of squares above and below the
at higher levels. You can get this information midline per group. I use this formula:
from a data table but graphing it as a kite (largest data point / 2) / (# squares below
diagram really makes the patterns “pop”. In the midline).
same way fisheries biologists study
distribution of fish species within the depths of (4) Plot your data points. Figure out how many
the ocean, or a lake, and plant biologists study squares are needed above and below the
the ranges of endangered plant species, line to represent each data point that you
matching location with such factors as soil type have. I use this formula: (data point / 2) /
or water regime. (# individuals per square). Draw in your
point on the kite diagram graph – the two
Making a Kite Diagram points should be equal distance from the
In a kite diagram, you will find the “groups” on midline, one above and one below. Once
the y-axis (usually the species, or categories, that is done, connect all points above the
such as “grasses”) and the x-axis is the midline, and connect all points below the
distance along a transect. The horizontal midline.
Scctm The MathMate 21 Volume 44/Number 1 October 2024
