Organizing Data
Targeted Learners:
Middle school students
Subject:
Science – Investigation and experimentation
Time Allotted:
Approximately 45 minutes
Description of Lesson:
In this lesson, learners will participate in a self-guided, independent learning activity available online. Students will learn the types of data best displayed in a circle graph, bar graph, and line graph, and how to decide which graph type best fits the data that will be displayed.
California State Science Standards – Investigation and Experimentation:
6.7.b. Select and use appropriate tools and technology (including calculators, computers, balances, spring scales, microscopes, and binoculars) to perform tests, collect, display data.
6.7.c. Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop qualitative statements about the relationships between variables.
7.7.a. Select and use appropriate tools and technology (including calculators, computers, balances, spring scales, microscopes, and binoculars) to perform tests, collect, display data.
8.9.e. Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop quantitative statements about the relationships between variables.
Instructional Objectives:
1. Students will correctly identify 4 key components of a graph.
2. Students will clearly display data in at least one student-created graph.
Instructional Procedures:
Lesson Set: Students will begin this independent lesson by visiting the Organizing Data web page within the science fair site. They should have already completed scientific methods lessons about choosing a topic, the hypothesis, writing the procedure, and conducting the experiment. Students will first read a short scenario asking them to consider how a fictitious student could present data from an experiment. The students will consider how they might go about displaying that data and then continue on to read about the different graph types.
Techniques and Activities: After considering the introductory scenario, students will progress through the information and activities on the web page as follows:
§ Activity 1: Information about three graph types is presented: circle graphs are used for displaying parts of a whole; bar graphs are used for comparing data; line graphs are used to show changes over time. Students look at three sets of data and choose the best graph to display that data. Each question is linked to an explanation of the answer.
§ Activity 2: Information about the important components of a graph is presented using a visual accompanied by text. Key components are title, labels, scale, and key. Students will review information and answer questions asking them to identify graph parts and purpose for each.
§ Activity 3: Students will construct a graph of their own using data from their own experiment, or using the data provided in an example. Graphs will include key components and accurately display data in the best possible graph type.
Lesson Closure: Students evaluate the graph created in Activity 3 based on the Displaying Data column on the Science Fair Rubric (shown below under Evaluation Activities). They will also ask an adult in the home for feedback on the graph. The student will reflect on the activity and evaluate the effectiveness of their chosen graph type.
Adaptations for Special Learners:
Because this is an independent activity intended for use by independent study virtual students, their learning coaches at home will meet many of the needs of special learners, including any necessary physical accommodations. Students who need additional support with reading should use the support of a peer or learning coach. Students are encouraged to work with a partner during synchronous class time, where they can get peer feedback and support in creating graphs.
Supplemental Activities:
The following web pages and videos will be linked for enrichment and remediation.
Kinds of Graphs: See examples of each graph type, and learn about a few special graph types.
Types of Graphs: This site provides detailed information about many different graph types with examples of each.
Choosing the Right Graph: This video tutorial shows the different types of graphs and how to choose the best to display your data set.
Create a Graph: This is a great site to experiment with graphical representations of data sets. Create all different types of graphs using the same data to compare how each graph type displays data. Over 30 million graphs have been created on this site since 2005!
Evaluation Activities:
Because learners will be working independently at home online, this lesson utilizes informal self-evaluation and peer review. Students are asked to reference the science fair rubric (the Displaying Data column is below for reference) to evaluate their own graph choices, and each activity has a “self-check” link where students can check their answers and receive explanations for each correct answer. Students are also asked to consult with a learning coach for feedback.
Rubric for Presentation and Analysis of Data (excerpted from Science Fair Rubric for grades 6-8):
4 Points / Data was summarized and clearly presented using appropriate graphs and charts. Analysis refers to and supports data.3 Points / Data was summarized and presented in graph or chart. Analysis refers to and is supported by data.
2 Points / Data was confusing. Graphs or charts needed. Some evidence of scientific reasoning.
1 Point / No clear data or evidence of scientific reasoning.
Learner Product:
After completing this lesson, students will have completed a graph that is correctly labeled with a reflection on why the graph type was chosen. This will either be for their actual science fair project, or created from the example data provided in the lesson.