My Idea

I wasn't selected to share my idea:

But, for what it's worth, here it is:

Data Capture is not the End Product

Google Forms for spreadsheets are great, but what do your students do with their data once they have it?

With my Grade 7 (Year 8) students, we start the year with a unit on data capture, representation and interpretation.

I like to show them how they can process real-world data into a form that they can use to create charts to make interpretation easier.

So, as well as SUM() and AVERAGE() we look at using functions like IF() and COUNTIF(), along with string handling functions where necessary.

If you use a Google Spreadsheet Form for data capture, you can easily add a second sheet to process the data to help you make more meaningful charts.

But don't stop there;

• Report it - add the charts and their interpretation to a document
• Present it - use your data to illustrate why certain types of chart are more appropriate in specific circumstances
• Publish it! - Grade 7 students surveyed Grade 6 on a variety of environmental topics
• Grade 6: published the results on the web as part of Global Virtual Classroom
• Grade 7: described what they had done with the Grade 6 students for their CyberFair website
• Plus: we will also submit a short video, lesson plan and a presentation to u4energy.eu

One Data Capture Exercise (on Recycling - of course!) - can have a potential impact far beyond a single classroom...

In our case, [postscript added September 2012]

The Grade 6 class received a commendation for their creativity from GVC.

The Grade 7 class achieved a Platinum Award for their CyberFair site from GSN.

The lesson plan was the National Winner for the Czech Republic in the 2012 u4energy competition.