Active Learning Investigation: Data & Graphing

Overview:
Name of Investigation: We Graph, You Graph, Eye Graph
Grade Level: First Grade, Second Grade
Time Frame: Approximately 60 minutes
Investigation:
o What students will do: Students will collect data about the eye color
of class members. They create bar graphs with several
classifications of data. They pose and answer questions about the
data by looking at the graph, and they find the range and mode.
o What students will learn: Students will learn the basic concepts for
collecting data and interpreting this data in terms of the range and
the mode.
Rationale and Relationship to Standards:
Important Concepts for Investigation:
o Data Collection
o Making a Bar Graph
o Interpreting Data/Representing Data:
Range of Data
Mode within Data
Importance of Concepts: Organizing, representing, and interpreting data
are important life skills for students to acquire in and out of the classroom.
This gives them a means to understand the world around them through a
mathematical lens. Looking at research, surveys, and trends is an
important skill in many areas of life that can be used and applied to many
different professions. Students will need to have these foundational skills
to build understanding of mathematical concepts they will encounter in
their future schooling.
Relevant Standards:
o Grade 1, Measurement & Data
CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4
Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to
three categories; ask and answer questions about the
total number of data points, how many in each
category, and how many more or less are in one
category than in another.
o Grade 2, Measurement & Data
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.D.10
Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit
scale) to represent a data set with up to four
categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and
compare problems using information presented in a
bar graph.
Description:
Materials
o Index cards
o Crayons
o Chart Paper (pre-made)
o Graph Paper
o List of student names
Step-By-Step Description:
o Explain to students you would like to know what different eye colors
are represented in the classroom.
o Give each student a class list and a clipboard. Tell them they will
be collecting data by going around the room and making a check
mark in the corresponding color next to the students names. As an
added challenge, students can write the eye color.
o Give each child an index card and crayons and have them write
their own eye color on the card using the corresponding crayon
color.
o Explain to students they will be lining up based on eye color in the
corresponding lane that is taped off (model and point out this area)
o Call students up by table and have them stand in the lane that
matches their eye color (each lane will be taped off as though it is
a grid/graph paper).
This serves as the manipulative (real world) model of active
learning, tailored to those students who learn best through
doing-visual representations and kinesthetic activities.
Have students silently look around and see what they notice
about each lane & the number of students in each.
o Call each eye color to tape their index card in the corresponding
row on the chart. When theyve taped their index card have them
return to their desk.
o Teacher will model graphing:
Labeling each axis
Model just one eye color for students (i.e. graph only blue)
o Students will work independently or with a partner next to them to
graph the remaining eye colors.
o As a class, ask the students what they can tell about the eye colors
in the class from looking at the bar graph. Do a turn-and-talk with
the following questions:
The number of students with each eye color
What color is most represented (explain that this is the mode)
What is the smallest number on the graph? What is the largest
number on the graph?
Inform them that the difference between these
numbers is called the range.
o As a whole class, you may utilize the Bar Grapher so students are
able to see and manipulate a virtual bar graph.

Assessments:
Formal Assessment: Students will turn in their graph papers, indicating their
understanding about representing data in a bar graph
Informal Assessment: Personal Communication/Check for Understanding.
Students will participate in turn-and-talks where we will be able to
informally assess student understanding of range and mode.
Extension Activity:
Once students have gained experience collecting and interpreting data,
they will then choose their own topic for which they will create a survey
and collect data from other students in the school.
o This will give students an extension of these fundamental concepts
that incorporates student choice and even more active
participation.