A Brief Blog on Statistics & Data

Statistics and data are among the easiest concepts to directly connect to real-life. From the time students first begin their academic career, they are exposed to statistics and data because of grades. (Keep in mind that data can be quantitative or qualitative, so even in a non-numeric based grading system, data are still collected. Yes, in math, we tend to focus more on the quantitative, but qualitative data matter, too!) Granted, this point doesn't mean that we are teaching kindergarten and first grade students how to find the average, but the point is that they are exposed to data.

In the earliest grades, students learn how to group items and identify commonalities and differences among the items. These activities are data collection and can be the basis for discussions about data and how to represent it - even in the earliest grades. Students are also applying data concepts when interpreting and building graphs.

Statistics and data are integrated in all subject areas. With science, students are collecting data when they conduct experiments and often create graphs and/or charts to represent the data. Students can be taught from a young age how to identify patterns in the data they collect, to identify what number occurs the most often, to determine how best to present the data or discuss the data, etc. Statistics and data are easily cross-curricular. Graphs, charts, and tables are often used in social studies and ELA classes, particularly with nonfiction and technical texts.

Currently, there is a push nationally to increase data literacy and understanding of statistics in K-12 education. As statistics and data are part of everyday life, particularly in today's world where data seem to surround us, it is essential for students to develop strong data literacy skills and to apply the understanding and skills in life. I recommend checking out the youcubed website developed by Dr. Jo Boaler and her team at Stanford University. On the website, check out the tab Data Science for resources, lessons, and information on data talks.

Exploring & Using Data from NCES

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is part of the Institute of Education Sciences, which is part of the US Department of Education. The NCES website provides data and statistics for education in the US. The Overview & Suggestions document provides additional information about the website, including suggestions for integration with activities and lessons. The first Scavenger Hunt Activity can be used for Grade 3 and up, as it focuses on the Kids' Zone site for NCES. Second grade may also be able to complete the Scavenger Hunt with some support. The second Scavenger Hunt Activity can be used for Grades 7 and up as it focuses more on the NCES site and not on the Kids' Zone site.

Suggestions for Teaching Graphing

Students begin seeing graphs from the earliest grades. Creating graphs typically begins in second or third grade, depending on the state standards. Graphs are a great tool for representing and interpreting data. Graphs are also cross-curricular as they can be used in social studies / history classes and in science classes, among other subjects. When teaching graphs, it's important to emphasize understanding of the parts of the graph as the parts support the representation and interpretation of the data. Students should understand how to label and read the x- and y-axes and how to label and interpret the graph's scale. It's also essential to emphasize to students the accuracy of the data in the graph and the accuracy with which the data are plotted on the graph. Students should be able to read and interpret graphs, as well as be able to create them. Any data collection activity can integrate graphing to reinforce student understanding and application of the related data concepts.

NCES provides a graphing tool for students that may be helpful in understanding and applying the parts of a graph (see the Kids Zone section on the website, then Create a Graph). Microsoft Excel also provides graphing features and Desmos can be helpful for creating graphs, as well.