Curriculum Units – Level 4

In this unit, students develop a deeper understanding of data analysis. Specifically, they learn what categorical data are and how to represent and analyze categorical data using new, more sophisticated ways including Venn diagrams and pie graphs. They also work with continuous data as they learn to construct and analyze line graphs. They will collect data through the same research process that they have previously learned in “Digging for Data.” The steps in the research process include formulating a research question, making a hypothesis, gathering data to answer the question and then representing and analyzing the data. Finally, they will draw conclusions and present their results.

The new kinds of representations presented in this unit will enable students to use high-level critical thinking skills as they compare and contrast data. They will need to analyze what different pieces of data have in common and how they are related to the whole data set. Conducting surveys is frequently used as the methodology to gather data throughout the unit. Thus students have an opportunity to become mathematicians as they participate in real-life activities that use mathematics. In one of the activities they will actually become part of a marketing research team who will gather, represent and analyze data and report results and recommendations to the manufacturer.

In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of data analysis concepts, students also will explore fractional relationships as they create and analyze pie graphs. They will focus on identifying fractional parts of a whole and making comparisons between these parts. They will learn to think flexibly about fractions as they come up with “friendly” fractions to describe parts of the whole and combine fractional parts to analyze the data in pie graphs. They also will learn skills in coordinate geometry and discrete math as they work with line graphs and Venn diagrams respectively. Making connections among different areas of mathematics allows students to see the relationships that exist within the discipline of mathematics and helps them form a more integrated vision of the mathematics they are learning and using.