Gapminder is an amazing web-based tool that transforms raw statistical data from the United Nation’s 2005 Human Development Report into colorful, interactive displays. The user chooses the information for the x- and y-axes to be graphed over a period of time on the coordinate plane. The data is manipulated as the user scrolls through the years, at the user’s determined rate of speed. A colorful and specific-sized dot represents each country, depending on its global location and population size. The user has the option of isolating a particular country to determine longitudinal trends.
Aside from the great mathematical applications of Gapminder, it allows for even deeper insight into societal discrepancies and global inequity. Users have the ability to visualize the movement of the dots across the coordinate plane and to physically see that the average life span in the United States in 1975 was seventy-three years old, but in Cambodia, it was only thirty-five. Or, the income per person in 1896 in the United Arab Emirates was $29,225, but in Ethiopia was only $531. Why is this? What allows some countries to excel and others to lag behind? Is this a form of cultural bias or is it due to a lack of medical professionals or technology or democracy?
Users will see trends emerge which most likely relate to historical events, allowing from an interconnectivity of all subjects or even an interdisciplinary unit utilizing the Gapminder data and a history textbook. Imagine the possibilities as students seek to understand which countries have major advantages over others and examine why!
I feel that Gapminder is an outstanding, innovative data display tool with some data that is relevant and age-appropriate for middle school students. Part of the data, however, is a bit too complex and more suitable for high school or college students, such as the trade, aid, and investment categories. There is also a separate section for advanced users. Unfortunately, my district has blocks Gapminder so my students will not have the opportunity to experience it in the classroom. I wonder if other districts likewise block Gapminder, and I plan to investigate why this is the case in my school.
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I have the same feelings about Gapminder being appropriate for higher age/grade levels Kristen. Unfortunately, it is all too common that effective, engaging technology is either unavailable or blocked by districts who are hesitant to allow their students to be exposed to "bad" things on the internet. I'm still thinking about how I feel about blocking systems; Right now, I kind of feel for both sides.
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