The Numbers Tell a Story
Title: The Numbers Tell a Story
Subject: Mathematics
Grade Level: 7 - 8
Overview:
Using a data chart the students will research to find the number of plants and animals that are listed as threatened or endangered which are located in the southeast region of the United States. The students will create a graph in Excel using the gathered data. The students will manipulate the data by using the AutoSum to add the total numbers of threatened or endangered animals. The students will find the mean, median, and mode of the numbers listed. The students will present their findings in a PowerPoint presentation.
Approximate Duration: 4 - 60 minute lessons
Content Standards:
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:
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);
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Data Analysis, Probability, and discrete Math
Grade 7
32. Describe data in terms of patterns, clustered data, gaps, and outliers (D-2-M)
33. Analyze discrete and continuous data in real-life applications (D-2-M) (D-6-M)
Grade 8
34. Determine what kind of data display is appropriate for a given situation(D-1-M)
35. Match a data set or graph to a described situation, and vice versa(D-1-M)
39. Analyze and make predictions from discovered data patterns (D-2-M)
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 multimedia tools and desktop publishing to develop and present computer-generated projects for directed and independent learning activities.
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 gather data to create a graph using Excel.
2. The students will research selected web sites to locate information about plants or animals of interest which are on the threatened or endangered list.
3. The students will create a PowerPoint presentation to present their findings.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
Wall map of southeastern states
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Computer
Internet Connection
Printer
Software:
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Websites:
Listings by State and Territory
http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/
Create a Graph
http://www.nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/
eNature
http://www.enature.com/
Yahoo Kids
http://kids.yahoo.com/
World Book Online
http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Home
Fact Monster
http://www.factmonster.com/
Background Information:
The students should be knowledgeable to some degree with plants and animals that are threatened or endangered in the southeast region of the United States.
The students will be familiar with using the computer and the software Excel to create simple graphs. The students may not be familiar with the AutoSum feature. The students may not be familiar with finding the mean, median, and mode with the help of Excel software.
Lesson Procedures:
Day One
1. Assess prior knowledge of students by posing the question, "Are there many endangered or threatened animals in the southeast region of the United States?"
2. Lead the students in a discussion of the terms endangered and threatened. What does this mean to us?
3. Working in groups, students will go to http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/ to locate data concerning how many plants and animals are listed as threatened or endangered in each state in the southeast region. The students will use their data guide to record the information. Click on the appropriate state. Record in the appropriate area the number of threatened and endangered plants and animals that are listed at this site.
4. Using the completed data guide the students will now work in groups to create a graph. The students will go to the computer and utilize the software Excel for this activity. If Excel is not available, the students can use the Create a Graph. http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/
The students will first decide which graph type would best display the data. The students will title the graph and label the X and Y axis.
Day Two
1. The students will work in groups (5) to complete a Jigsaw activity. Each group will be assigned an endangered plant or animal to research.
2. The students will go to http://www.fws.gov/endangered/wildlife.html to begin this activity; however, there will be additional websites for students to research.
Day Three
1. The students will share their information gathered with all of the groups.
2. The students will make predictions about the future status of their selected plant or animal.
3. The students will manipulate the data to find the mean, median, and mode.
4. Review the Research Guide with the students. Ask questions that would lead the students to realize that they can not use this data to postulate reasons for plants and animals being listed on the threatened or endangered list.
5.The students will create a PowerPoint presentation using the data and information gathered.
Day Four
1.Each group will present, "The Numbers Tell a Story."
Assessment Procedures:
Completed Research Guide
Rubric for Presentation of Data
Rubric for PowerPoint
Accommodations/Modifications:
Students will be working in groups for the activities in this lesson. ReadPlease free software could be used as as aid for the non-reader. Consult individual IEPs for additional modifications.
----- written by Rosemary Dillingham , Emily Rash, Mary Stodghill
Reproducible Materials:
The Numbers Tell a Story Research Guide and Data Sheet
Rubric for The Numbers Tell a Story Presentation
Rubric for The Numbers Tell a Story PowerPoint
Explorations and Extensions:
The students can continue to use Excel to create graphs using various data.
Lesson Development Resources:
GLE Related Materials
http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/saa/1914.html
Contact Information:
Rosemary Dillingham
rosemary.dillingham@mcschools.net
Instructional Technology
Additional Contacts:
Emily Rash
emily.rash@mcschools.net
Mathematics Specialist
Mary Stodghill
mary.stodghill@mcschools.net
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