Preparation - Data Visualizations
Preparation
Required Materials
1. Data Visualizations Handout
2. Graph paper (if students are to create graphs by hand)
3. Online Tool (if students are to create graphs online – see tools listed under Teacher Resources)
4. Print reference materials to research information about misleading graphs and how to recognize them
5. Online reference materials to research information about misleading graphs and how to recognize them
Teacher resources
- Misleading Graphs and Statistics
- How to Lie with Data Visualization
- Four Short Videos to Help Us Spot Misleading Data
- Misleading Graphs
- Worst Graphs of 2017
- Worst Graphs of 2018
- Misleading Graphs Quiz
- How to Create Misleading Charts
Online Graphing Tools
Additional resources
- How to spot a misleading graph - Lea Gaslowitz (video)
- Interactive Bar Graph (This tool shows students how changing the value of the y-axis can make a graph misleading
Advanced Preparation
1. Students may complete the handout for this activity on or off line.
- Review the handout.
- Print one copy of the handout per student or post the link found in Student Resources in the class LMS so each student can access the handout.
- If students complete a digital copy of the handout, decide how you want them to rename the file for easy identification later. For example, do you want each student to create a file or will it be sufficient for each pair or trio to share one file?
2. Gather any additional print reference materials beyond a class textbook or arrange to visit the school library.
3. Identify and review online research resources.
4. Decide if students will draw graphs by hand or use an online tool.
5. Divide class into pairs or trios who will work together to complete the assignment.