Talk:Visualising data/activity

Notes on the downloadable template

On the downloadable template I edited the ranges on the frequency table for the height data and input some realistic values to get a meaningful screenshot. Is it worth doing the same for the other data sets or just making a note on the Wiki to alert teachers that they will have to do this? Have not saved edited version of file to Wiki but will do so if people think it is a good idea.

Idea for a teaching strategy based on a class of 30

3 'measuring' work stations set up (one for each continuous variable: height, hand span and arm length) with space and materials for 3 groups of 3-4 around each station. Each pupil to be given a personal data slip that they must complete whilst working in groups of 3-4.

Data slip could be something simple like this:

Name:________________________ Height (cm):__________________ Hand span (cm):______________ Arm length (cm):_____________

Collect data (pupils could enter the data directly into a class spread sheet projected on to a white board) as each set of three groups finishes at their station making sure each pupil has their personal data completed on their data slip before moving to the next station. Groups circulate through all three stations helping each other to make accurate measurements.

Data could be collected in one lesson and analysed in a further lesson. This gives the teacher time to set up the range fields on the spreadsheet based on the data collected.

JB 26/06/12 Extension/enrichment activities: Hand span measurement could be used to measure arm length (see PD PDF below)/hand could be drawn around on square paper and area worked out and compared with HS to look for patterns/data could be analysed by sex, age, to look for patterns also pattern spotting between variables.

The Witch's Hat is a fun drama lesson plan to introduce measuring in cm. (av. rating 4.7/5 out of 12 ratings on TES) http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/MATHS-DRAMA-LESSON-THE-WITCH-S-HAT-6013315/review/1/

photo and info for measuring HS: http://www.topendsports.com/testing/tests/hand-span.htm

great PD PDF explaining in detail a lesson on using hand spans to measure arm length: http://www.mathsolutions.com/documents/0-941355-42-X_L2pdf