Opinions by the Numbers

SECONDARY MODULE #1

FINDING INFORMATION

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: One 90 minute class

MODULE OBJECTIVES:

Students will demonstrate competency in analyzing data and communicating their findings.

CONCEPT(S) LEARNED IN THIS MODULE:

Data collection, organization, display and analysis

STANDARD(S) ADDRESSED IN THIS MODULE (K-12):

Maryland State Department of Education Core Learning Goals:

3.1.1 - The student will design and/or conduct an investigation that uses statistical methods to analyze data and communicate results.
3.1.2 - The student will use the measures of central tendency and variability to make informed decisions.
3.2.1 - The student will make informed decisions and predictions based upon the results of simulations and data from research.

Maryland State Department of Education
Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (grade 8):
Student will be able to:

Collect, organize, display data for given situations using appropriate displays such as circle graphs, box-and-whisper plots, scatter plots, and glyphs
Use data analysis to write an evaluative argument in a real life situation

Determine the best measure of central tendency and calculate it

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES UTILIZED IN THIS MODULE:

Graphing calculators, overhead calculator projection device, word processing and importing information, Excel.
Opportunities for probeware, use of web wacker.

Module Overview

Components Brief Description of
Module Activities Student
Grouping Materials / Technology

Engagement Pre-assessment activity: Data gathering and recording Pairs, small group See Teacher Notes

Exploration Students organize their collected data. As above

Explanation Student groups report to whole class their findings. This will include measures of central tendency . Range, min and max are other suggestions. As above

Extension Data will be used in next lesson. Discuss any problems associated with the data or data collection process. As above

Evaluation Written suggestions to students regarding the information shared…recording method, measure(s) used As above

EXPECTED MODULE OUTCOMES:

A heightened sense of proper procedures for collecting and organizing data.

PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF MODULE OUTCOMES:

Chart of collected data.

TEACHER NOTES:

The data collection should be very student centered. Almanacs offer a good print source; web sites have weather and sports data; probe ware is optional.

Components	Brief Description of Module Activities	Student Grouping	Materials / Technology
Engagement	Pre-assessment activity: Data gathering and recording	Pairs, small group	See Teacher Notes
Exploration	Students organize their collected data.	As above
Explanation	Student groups report to whole class their findings. This will include measures of central tendency . Range, min and max are other suggestions.	As above
Extension	Data will be used in next lesson. Discuss any problems associated with the data or data collection process.	As above
Evaluation	Written suggestions to students regarding the information shared…recording method, measure(s) used	As above

SECONDARY MODULE #1

FINDING INFORMATION

Module Overview

Unit Flow Chart Unit Description Pre-Service Modules: 1 2 3 Secondary Modules: 1 2 3

Unit Flow Chart
Unit Description
Pre-Service Modules: 1 2 3
Secondary Modules: 1 2 3