Curriculum Units – Level 3

In this unit on data analysis, students explore the world of a research scientist and learn how gathering, representing and analyzing data are the essence of good research. The mathematical concepts and skills that are part of data analysis for elementary students are embedded in the much broader context of conducting research.

Students first develop research questions and hypotheses. Then they learn why and how we use the data to seek the answer to research questions. As we introduce students to working with data in this manner, we allow them to experience the issues associated with collecting, analyzing, and representing data to accurately portray research results. These issues include the purposes, methods, and characterizations of data creation and collection and the construction and use of various types of research including different methodology and data representation.

In line with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recommendations, this unit seeks to engage students in interesting explorations. Students conduct three different research projects illustrating the different types of research including different methodology and data representations. These projects include experimental, descriptive, and historical research studies.