Activity Overview
Students learn to design data investigations, describe data, and draw conclusions. They learn to choose the best type of graph, graph and interpret the data, and look for patterns and trends. They also use the calculator to investigate and communicate results.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 63 - 83 from the attached PDF file
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the activity procedure:
Activity 1: Can You Improve Your Record?
Select a physical activity (bouncing a ball, hitting a target) that can be counted and recorded to measure performance
Gather data over a period of 5 days with 7 trials per day
Tabulate and analyze the performance scores, look for patterns of improvement, and graph the data on paper and on the calculator
Explore the different forms in which the trials can be graphed on the calculator (pictograph, bar graph, Box and Whisker plot)
Examine the mean, mode, median, and average values
Examine the data numerically and visually to interpret data and draw conclusions
Activity 2: The Timed Walk
Select a distance and have students walk back and forth in exactly 30 seconds
Conduct 7 trials per student and collect data
Record the time taken and note the deviation from the goal of 30 seconds
Plot the total trial data for each student and the difference of each trial from the goal of 30 seconds for all the 7 trials
Understand the meaning of the graph and learn to relate it to the speed, distance, and time of the walk
Activity 3: How Many Pages
Use a book with more than 100 pages and pick a number
Open the book as close as possible to the page corresponding to the number chosen
Record the number of pages they are away from the given number
Conduct 7 trials and observe patterns in the data
Predict the result of the next 7 trials and make a list of data of first trials and the predicted trials
Graph both data side by side and compare results
Assess the student's ability to collect, analyze, graph, and interpret data
After the Activity
Review students results and re-teach concepts as necessary.