Activity 1.1- What is Data?

Introduction

Data is a critical part of many decisions that we make throughout our lives. It comes in many different forms and it is important that students learn how to both collect and interpret data. During Carnival Tycoon, data and data analysis will be used to help students make many design decisions.

Preparation Needed for the Activity:

• • Computers need to be accessible, charged and ready to use

  • Projection system should be ready to play video (Shark Tank video Pie Man)

  • Who Are You? worksheet (Google Form version available at bottom of page)

Part 1 - Who are you?: 15 - 20 min

Guide a class discussion about the meaning and importance of data. As the discussion gets started you can use these questions to help the discussion:

• • Can words be used as data?

  • Would we be able to find data from images?

  • Are numbers used as data?

Yes, any of the above can be used as data - the challenge is analyzing and interpreting the data in a meaningful way.

Each student should complete the "Who Are You?" worksheet. If you are using a system that allows for a form submission this can be done electronically. Otherwise you can use a paper version. (A link to a Google Form of the document is below.)

Part 2 - Shark Tank: 30 min

Play the Shark Tank video Pie Man (5:20 total). You will be instructed to pause the video at 2:50 to allow for a discussion of the pitch. Here are a few questions:

• • Would you fund the idea, if you were one of the sharks?

  • What would you want to know more about before making a decision on funding?

  • Is there an alternative to the desired investment that would make sense based on the information?

  • Would you consider funding this venture based on the information presented? Why or Why not?

Finish watching the video.

Part 3 - Discussion and Reflection: 10 min (time permitting)

This can also be done as a ticket-out-the-door activity. Have the students respond to the questions below.

• • Did the Sharks ask questions that provided more information?

  • Was the presenter prepared to answer those questions?

  • Is it possible to provide enough information in such a short time period?

***The Google files below are copy only files. When you click the link you will see a page asking you to click a "Make a copy" button, click the button and it will create a copy of the file in your personal/school Google drive. Once in your drive, you will be able to edit and send the file to your students and view responses once collected.