Children's meaning-making activity with dynamic multiple representations in a probability microworld

This paper describes how fourth grade children used representations in a computer microworld as both objects to display and interpret data, and as dynamic objects of analysis during experimentation. The children used the multiple representations in both static and dynamic form to develop their probabilistic reasoning and explore concepts such as the law of large of numbers. The results are from a 6-week teaching experiment investigating children’s development of probabilistic reasoning with a newly developed probability microworld. Design of the Probability Explorer Microworld One of the most promising uses of computer technology in mathematics education is the ability to view multiple representations of phenomenon. Many software applications for middle and secondary school students include dynamic multiple representations. Although several software packages exist that allow elementary students to represent data in multiple forms, the representations are often only used as objects of display rather than dynamic objects of analysis. My intent was to create a microworld containing multi- linked representations that update simultaneously as random events are simulated. The representations available in the Probability Explorer microworld at the time of the study included: 1) moveable iconic representations of every trial; 2)“stacking columns ” to create pictographs; 3) a data table displaying results as