Tapemeasure: Video as data for statistical investigations

This article discusses TapeMeasure, a videotape-based data system. TapeMeasure is a sytem which allows students to make measurements on a videotape. They can choose particular frames to measure by using a VCR-like interface that allows them to advacne the tape a freme at a time or by choosing a particular indexed video segment from a directory. An investigation is described that involved 7th and 8th grade students in an exploration of variables that might influence their running spped. Students designed an experiment, videotaped a race, and made measurements from the video tape. They analyzed the resulting data to determine which variable(s) were most closely correlated with running speed.