Physics Cheat Sheet 1.2 - User Guide and FAQ

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Living Graph Paper

Graph paper is an invaluable tool for exploring numerical relationships. By providing a visual representation of those relationships, graph paper facilitates the understanding of scientific concepts. Traditional graph paper, however, is limited in many respects. As a physical medium, it is static and resistant to quick changes. Advances in computer graphics and processing have allowed for the creation of "digital" graph paper that offers greater flexibility and precision than traditional graph paper. With direct user interaction and the inclusion of meaningful data, a digital graph transforms into a "Living Graph". Living Graphs Inc. has based its name and product line on an appreciation of the pedagogical value of Living Graph Paper.

Living Graph Paper allows the user to zoom into and out of the graph. This feature, combined with multiple views of the data, makes it possible to compare micro and macro views of the same information. Also in contrast to traditional graph paper, appearance properties of the graph can be changed quickly and easily. These properties include paper color and size, the presence of axes and labels, grid spacing and thickness and much more. Though the contribution of the graph appearance is mainly esthetic, a visually compelling medium enhances the learning process.

A significant limitation of a traditional graph is that it is removed from a temporal context. For example, both the movement and interaction of waves in time - a crucial aspect of the nature of waves - is nullified. Students can only view a wave that is frozen in time. With Living Graph Paper, however, students can view the behavior of waves forward or backward in time. Furthermore, the physical properties of waves can be modified by dragging the waves on the screen or editing their physical properties in dialog boxes. Since all this can happen while a simulation is running, students immediately see how changes in amplitude, wavelength, damping factor and other physical properties affect waves as they move through space and time.

All Living Graphs products are built on Living Graph Paper. This means that users need to become familiar with the graph metaphor and the user interface only once, and they can then apply that knowledge to all Living Graphs products. This consistency allows users to focus on the scientific concepts presented in the programs instead of climbing the learning curve repeatedly, and frees up valuable teaching time for educators.


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