Podcast
Ice Cream Data Collection and Display
Small groups of students spread out with markers, paper, and cut-out ice cream cones. They’ve just finished collecting data on their peers' favorite ice cream flavors, and now they’re deciding how to visually represent it. Some groups choose bar graphs, carefully drawing each column, while others opt for pictographs, using colorful ice cream cutouts to represent each choice.
After checking their work for accuracy, each group presents their chart to the class, explaining how they represented the data and discussing the different ways information can be displayed without the use of technology.
Objective:
Students will collect data about their peers' favorite ice cream flavors and brainstorm different ways to display this information visually. They will learn to sort, categorize, and represent data in a physical format, integrating basic data analysis and presentation skills.
Materials Needed:
Chart paper or poster board
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Stickers or cut-out images of ice cream cones
Data collection sheets
Steps:
Introduction:
Start by asking students, "What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?" and explain that everyone has different preferences.
Explain that today, the class will collect data on the favorite ice cream flavors and figure out how to show that data to others.
Group Activity:
Divide the class into small groups and hand out data collection sheets.
Each group will ask their classmates which ice cream flavor they prefer (e.g., chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry).
After collecting the data, students will discuss in their groups how they want to show the information.
Some may decide to use a bar graph, others might choose to make a pictograph using cut-outs of ice cream cones.
Creating the Display:
Each group will use chart paper to represent the data they collected.
They can decide on their own display format, such as a bar graph, tally chart, or pictograph.
Encourage creativity in how they show the data, while ensuring they understand how each visual format conveys information.
Testing and Refining:
After completing their charts, students will check to make sure the data is presented clearly and accurately.
They may make changes to improve clarity before sharing with the class.
Presentation and Discussion:
Each group will present their data display to the class, explaining the ice cream preferences and how they chose to represent the data.
Lead a discussion on the different ways data can be presented and how each method helps us understand information.
Equity and Access:
Provide pre-made templates for students who need additional support with creating their charts. Encourage peer collaboration to ensure all students are engaged.
Real-World Application:
Connect the lesson to how data is used in everyday life, such as in surveys, marketing, and decision-making processes. Emphasize how collecting and displaying data helps us understand trends and make informed choices.
CS Practice(s):
Developing and Using Abstractions: Students simplify collected data into key visuals like graphs or charts.
Communicating About Computing: Students explain their data collection process and how they displayed it to the class.
Standard(s):
CA CCSS for Mathematics 2.MD.10
CA CS K-2.DA.9
Digital Ice Cream Data with Spreadsheets
Pairs of students collect data on their classmates' favorite ice cream flavors. Using laptops, they record responses in a Google Sheets survey. Once the data is collected, students gather around their screens, experimenting with different chart options, comparing pie charts and bar graphs. As they alter the colors and labels, the teacher circulates, encouraging them to think about which chart best represents the information.
During presentations, students explain why they chose a particular chart type and how they used the digital tool to display their data, discovering how technology can simplify organizing and sharing information.
Objective:
Students will use a computing device to collect data about their peers' favorite ice cream flavors and display the information digitally using Google Sheets or another spreadsheet app. Through this activity, students will explore how to organize, store, and visually represent data using digital tools.
Materials Needed:
Tablets or computers with spreadhseet software installed or accessible
Digital survey template (optional)
Data collection sheet
Steps:
Introduction:
Introduce the activity by asking, "What is your favorite ice cream flavor?" and explain that the class will use a digital tool to collect and display data about ice cream preferences.
Discuss how computers can help us store and organize data.
Group Activity:
In pairs, students will collect data from their peers about favorite ice cream flavors using a digital survey or a data collection sheet.
Once the data is gathered, they will enter it into a spreadsheet.
They will explore different chart options (e.g., pie chart, bar graph) to display their data.
Creating:
Guide students as they enter their data into spreadsheets and experiment with creating different types of charts to display their findings.
Encourage them to adjust chart settings, such as changing colors or labels, to make the data easy to understand.
Testing and Refining:
After creating their charts, students will review them to ensure accuracy and clarity.
They can make changes to improve readability or experiment with different chart types before finalizing their visual display.
Presentation and Discussion:
Each pair will present their digital chart to the class, explaining the ice cream preferences and why they chose the specific chart type.
Facilitate a discussion about how digital tools help us store, organize, and present data in a clear and professional way.
Equity and Access:
Provide pre-made spreadsheet templates for students who need additional support. Encourage peer collaboration, pairing students with varying skill levels to ensure everyone can participate and learn.
Real-World Application:
Relate the lesson to how digital tools are used in business and research to organize and present data for decision-making. Discuss how surveys and data collection are used in marketing, product design, and customer service.
CS Practice(s):
Creating Computational Artifacts: Students use a digital tool to organize and present data in a chart format.
Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify the problem of displaying data clearly and solve it by choosing appropriate chart types in Google Sheets.
Standard(s):
CA CCSS for Mathematics 2.MD.10
CA CS K-2.DA.9
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