One, Two, Three...and They're Off

One, Two, Three...and They're Off
Title: One, Two, Three...and They're Off
Subject: Mathematics
Grade Level: 5 - 6

Overview:
Students will make origami frogs to race. After the race the students will measure the distance raced, collect the data, enter it into a chart. The students will find the mean, median, and mode of the data. Next, the students will enter this data into Excel at which time they will make a pictograph.

Approximate Duration: 2 - 60 minute lessons

Content Standards:
Measurement
In problem-solving investigations, students demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, processes, and real-life applications of measurement.
Geometry
In problem-solving investigations, students demonstrate an understanding of geometric concepts and applications involving one-, two-, and three-dimensional geometry, and justify their findings.
Data analysis, Probability, and Discrete Math
In problem-solving investigations, students discover trends, formulate conjectures regarding cause-and-effect relationships, and demonstrate critical thinking skills in order to make informed decisions.

Benchmarks:
M-1-M
applying the concepts of length, area, surface area, volume, capacity, weight, mass, money, time, temperature, and rate to real-world experiences;
G-4-M
constructing two- and three-dimensional models;
D-1-M
systematically collecting, organizing, describing, and displaying data in charts, tables, plots, graphs, and/or spreadsheets;
D-2-M
analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, drawing inferences, and making estimations, predictions, decisions, and convincing arguments based on organized data (e.g., analyze data using concepts of mean, median, mode, range, random samples, sample size, bias, and data extremes);
D-3-M
describing informal thinking procedures (e.g., solving elementary logic problems using Venn diagrams, tables, charts, and/or elementary logic operatives to solve logic problems in real-life situations; reach valid conclusions in elementary logic problems involving and, or, not, if/then@);

Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Measurement
Grade 6
18. Measure length and read linear measurements to the nearest sixteenth-inch and mm
(M-1-M)
Data Analysis, Probability, and discrete Math
Grade 5
28. Use various types of charts and graphs, including double bar graphs, to organize, display, and interpret data and discuss patterns verbally and in writing (A-4-M) (D-1-M) (D-2-M) (P-3-M)
30. Organize and display data using spreadsheets, with technology(D-1-M)
31. Compare and contrast survey data from two groups relative to the same question (D-2-M)
Grade 6
32. Calculate and discuss mean, median, mode, and range of a set of discrete data to solve real-life problems (D-2-M)

Interdisciplinary Connections:
Science : Life Science
The students will become aware of the characteristics and life cycles of organisms and understand their relationships to each other and to their environment.

Educational Technology Standards:
Use information, media, and technology in a responsible manner which includes following the school's acceptable use policy, adhering to copyright laws, respecting the rights of others, and employing proper etiquette in all forms of communication.

Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools, web tools) to gather information for problem solving, communication, collaborative writing and publishing to create products for various audiences.

Communicate information using spreadsheets and databases to visually represent data and integrate into other documents (e.g., entering data, formatting using formulas, analyzing data, and sorting).

Objectives:
1. The students will construct Origami Frogs.
2. The students will race the frogs and measure the distance jumped.
3. The students will record the data on the Origami Jumping Frog Data Sheet.
3. The students will find the mean, median, and mode of the distance jumped.
4. Using the mean of the data collected, the students will make a pictograph in Excel.

Lesson Materials and Resources:
Origami Frog Directions
http://www.frogsonice.com/froggy/origami/index.shtml
3x 5 Index Cards
Origami Jumping Frog Data Sheet
Directions for Pictograph
http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/mcs/idea_bank/excel/pictograph.html

Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Computer
Internet
Software:
Excel

Websites:
Make An Origami Jumping Frog
http://www.frogsonice.com/froggy/origami/index.shtml
Louisiana Frogs - Frogwatch USA
http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/display.cfm?showstate=la
Idea Bank
http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/mcs/idea_bank/excel/pictograph.html

Background Information:
Students will have past experience in finding the mean, median, and mode of a range of numbers.
The students will be exposed to the art of origami. Most of the students will have limited experience using Excel to make pictographs.
Lesson Procedures:
1. Students will construct Origami Frogs by using the directions printed out from Make an Origami Jumping Frog internet site.
2. Students will pair off to race their frogs.
3. The students will race the frogs for ten seconds.
4. The students will measure the distance jumped by the frog and read it to the nearest sixteenth inch; however, for graphing purposes we will round the distance off to the nearest inch.
5. The students will enter the distance jumped into the Origami Jumping Frog Data Sheet. Combine all races to have one data sheet.
6. Next, the students will calculate the mean, median, and mode of the range of numbers.
7. Enter into Excel the distance jumped by the frogs to form a pictograph.
8. Students will go to Louisiana Frogs. The students will select a frog to represent their group. The students will right click the frog picture and save it in the appropriate folder. The pictures will be used in the pictograph.
9. Follow the directions for creating a pictograph located at MCS Idea Bank.

Assessment Procedures:
Observe the students during the construction of the frog.
Origami Jumping Frog Data Sheet
Pictograph made in Excel

Accommodations/Modifications:
Students will be paired for this activity. The teacher or another student may assist the exceptional learner with the construction of the origami frog.

Reproducible Materials:
Origami Jumping Frog Record Sheet

Explorations and Extensions:
Explore the use of Excel in finding the mean. Sort data to aid in the location of the median and mode.

Lesson Development Resources:
GLE Related Material
http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/saa/1914.html
SEQual Projects: Lessons - Origami Frogs
http://www.ma.iup.edu/projects/SEQual/lessons/origami.html

Contact Information:
Rosemary Dillingham
rosemary.dillingham@mcschools.net
Instructional Technology
Additional Contacts:
Mary Stodghill
mary.stodghill@mcschools.net
Instructional Technology
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