Lesson Plan
Title:  Just the facts
Subject:  Mathematics
Grade Level:  3 - 7
Overview:
This lesson will allow students to become familiar with terminology used in a survey. They will then conduct a survey and use graphing software to graph their results.
Approximate Duration:  3 50-minute class periods
Content Standards:
  • Algebra
         In problem-solving investigations students demonstrate an understanding of concepts and processes that allow them to analyze, represent, and describe relationships among variable quantities and to apply algebraic methods to real-world situations.
  • 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:
  • A-3-E
         recognizing the connection of algebra to the other strands and to real-life situations (e.g., number sentences or formulas to represent real-world problems).   (4,5)
  • A-2-M
         modeling and developing methods for solving equations and inequalities (e.g., using charts, graphs, manipulatives, and/or standard algebraic procedures);   (1,3,4,5)
  • A-3-M
         representing situations and number patterns with tables, graphs, and verbal and written statements, while exploring the relationships among these representations (e.g., multiple representations for the same situation);   (1,2,3,4)
  • A-4-M
         analyzing tables and graphs to identify relationships exhibited by the data and making generalizations based upon these relationships;   (2,3,4)
  • D-1-E
         collecting, organizing, and describing data based on real-life situations;   (1,2,3,4,5)
  • D-2-E
         constructing, reading, and interpreting data in charts, graphs, tables, etc;   (2,3,4)
  • D-3-E
         formulating and solving problems that involve the use of data;   (1,4)
  • D-6-E
         demonstrating the connection of data analysis, probability, and discrete math to other strands and real-life situations.   (2,3,4)
  • D-1-M
         systematically collecting, organizing, describing, and displaying data in charts, tables, plots, graphs, and/or spreadsheets;   (1,2,3,4)
  • 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);   (1,2,3,4,5)
  • D-6-M
         demonstrating the connection of data analysis, probability, and discrete math to other strands and to real-life situations.   (1,2,3,4,5)
Interdisciplinary Connections:  
  • English/Language Arts : Standard 3
         Students communicate using standard English grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and handwriting.
  • English/Language Arts : Standard 4
         Students demonstrate competence in speaking and listening as tools for learning and communicating.
  • Arts : Aesthetic Perception
         Students develop aesthetic perception through the knowledge of art forms and respect for commonalties and differences.
  • Arts : Critical Analysis
         Students make informed oral and written observations about the arts by developing skills for critical analysis through the study of and exposure to the arts.
  • Foreign Language : Communication: Interpersonal Mode
         Students engage in direct oral and written communication in the target language in order to socialize, provide and obtain information, acquire goods the target language in order to socialize, provide and obtain information, acquire goods and service, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.
  • Foreign Language : Communication: Presentation Mode
         Students present, through oral and written communications, information, concepts, and ideas on a variety of topics to an audience of listeners or readers with whom there is no immediate personal contact or in a one-to-many mode.
  • Business Education : Standard 15
         The student will utilize current technology and information processing concepts for personal and business applications.
  • Business Education : Standard 16
         The student will produce business and personal presentations using multimedia technology.
  • Business Education : Standard 17
         The student will apply desktop publishing concepts and effective communication techniques to produce business and personal documents.
  • Business Education : Standard 18
         The student will apply proper keyboarding techniques to input data and produce personal and business documents.
Educational Technology Standards:  
  • Identify, explain, and effectively use input, output and storage devices of computers and other technologies (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner, adaptive devices, monitor, printer floppy disk, hard drive).
  • Use accurate and developmentally appropriate terminology (e.g., cursor, software, hardware, pull down menu, window, disk drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, laser disc) when referring to technology.
  • Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide.
  • Use a variety of developmentally appropriate resources and productivity tools (e.g., logical thinking programs, writing and graphic tools, digital cameras, graphing software) for communication, presentation, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
  • Use technology resources to assist in problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.
  • 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 telecommunications and online resources efficiently and effectively to collaborate with peers, experts, and others to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information and to develop solutions or products for various audiences.
  • Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information.
Objectives:
1. The learner will define terminology used with surveys.
2. The learner will define decisions to be made from a survey.
3. The learner will compute appropriate sample sizes.
4. The learner will remove bias from their survey.
5. The learner will write survey questions.
6. The learner will conduct a survey.
7. The learner will display survey results.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
1. Word list and definitions of terms.
2. Clip boards
3. Survey sheets to record responses and tally results.
4. Poster board
5. Markers
6. A list of appropriate survey questions (these can be generated by the students)
Technology Tools and Materials:

Hardware:
Computer/printer
Calculator

Software:
Graph Master to graph results
or Graph Club for younger students

Websites:
Create a graph  <http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/Graphing/>

Background Information:
Students should have a working knowledge of how to find the percent of a number.
Students should be able to use the Graph Master or Graph Club graphing program.
Lesson Procedures:
Day 1
1. Discuss and define needed vocabulary to conduct a survey. Terms include:
a. Population-a particular group of people
b. Sample-part of a population
c. Random sample-choosing individuals from a sample so that every individual in the population has the same chance of being selected.
d. Bias-not representing everyone in the population
e. Question bias-asking questions that lead to a specific response
f. Tally table-a table with categories to allow you to record each piece of data as it is collected.
g. Frequency-the number of times a response is selected
h. Cumulative frequency-a running total of all responses

2. Describe the mathematical process for selecting the size of a sample using the 1 out of 10 ratio:
example: If there are 450 people in our population, we need 10% or 45 of those people in our sample
10% x 450 = 45

3. Model the process for identifying a population and sample group. Then how to pick from the population randomly.
example: If our population is 100 6th and 7th graders. We would need to randomly select 10 of those 6th and 7th graders by pulling their names from a jar, etc...

4. Generate appropriate, unbiased survey questions with the students.

5. Let students visit Create a graph to see examples of different types of graphs.

Day 2

1. Divide students into co-operative learning groups of 3 or 4.

2. Determine the sample group and sample size that would be appropriate for your school setting.
example: There are 160 6th and 7th graders at Lexington Middle School. So we should ask our question to 16 randomly selected 6th and 7th graders.

3. Give each group:
a. A survey question appropriate for their age group
b. A tally sheet to record responses
c. A clipboard on which to carry the tally sheet.

4. Allow students time to conduct their survey. Speak with other teachers ahead of time if they will need to visit other classrooms to ask their question.

Day 3

1. Allow groups to discuss their survey results.

2. Have each group using graphing software, such as Graph Master graph their results.

3. Results can then be transferred onto poster board in the form of a graph and displayed in the classroom or hallway.
Assessment Procedures:
Assessment should include the students participation in conducting the survey using the participation rubric.
A vocabulary test of the terms used to conduct a survey should also be given.
Also, the students tally chart and final graph can be used in the assessment procedure.
Accommodations/Modifications:
Students could be grouped to allow stronger students to help those who might have trouble. Calculators could also be used to find the percent of a number.
          ----- written by Amanda Davis  

Reproducible Materials:
Explorations and Extensions:
This is a useful lesson to teach in preparation for the social studies or science fairs. Students can use the techniques learned throughout this lesson in construction of their own project.
This lesson is also a life skill lesson to give them a better understanding of the use of surveys in propaganda to determine bias.
Lesson Development Resources:
Math Advantage, Harcourt Brace, Dallas TX, 1998
Reflections:
I've done this lesson with students when we were debating switching to uniforms. They loved this activity and finding out what their peers think about topics important to them.
Contact Information:
Amanda Davis
amanda.davis@mcschools.net
Lexington Elementary

 


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