Activity Overview
Students learn to solve a real-world problem in economics. Students get to understand how surveys often use a sample of people rather than all of the people involved. They also learn how to make decisions based on the results of a sample survey.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 43 - 49 from the attached PDF file for your class
Review the four steps of problem solving with the students
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the activity procedures:
Understand the problem and study the facts given
Make a plan on how to determine the number of hats the company should make in each size, color, and logo
Conduct a survey in class to determine the favorite colors, hat sizes, and favorite sports team
Discuss how surveys are made with a sample rather than all the people
Use the survey results to find out which hats will sell
Make a presentation of the survey results
Identify what information and how this information should be displayed in the presentation
Using pi
Use the calculator and the value of pi to find the circumference and diameter of a circle
After the Activity
Students evaluate each presentation.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary