ABSTRACT
All students need to recognize that there are linear and nonlinear relationships and that they can be represented in tables, graphs, expressions, and equations. It is important for students to distinguish between continuous and discrete data as represented in tables and graphs. Many students struggle with these concepts because most or all their elementary experience has revolved around bar graphs, and if they did draw a linear graph, they always connected the points. All students benefit from varied experiences in contextual situations as they meet the challenge of determining whether points are connected or not. The inclusion of activity centers in the algebra classroom is an effective way to challenge, remediate, or meet the needs of grade-level students. The activity centers present activities that review a previous model for representing expressions or represent a different relationship and result in a different graphical representation.
