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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Collecting, representing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and graphing software: Collecting and examining weather data

http://www.nctm.org/standards/content.aspx?id=26876

A lesson plan for grade 5 Computer/Technology Skills, Mathematics, and Science

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Spreadsheets and graphing software are tools for organizing, representing, and comparing data. This activity illustrates how weather data can be collected and examined using these tools. In the first part, Collecting and Examining Weather Data, students organize and then examine data that has been collected over a period of time in a spreadsheet. In the second part, Representing and Interpreting Data, students use the graphing functions of a spreadsheet to help them interpret data. Working on activities like these, students learn to set up a simple spreadsheet and use it in posing and solving problems, examining data, and investigating patterns.

E-Math Investigations are selected e-examples from the electronic version of the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics (PSSM). The e-examples are part of the electronic version of the PSSM document. Given their interactive nature and focused discussion tied to the PSSM document, the e-examples are natural companions to the i-Math investigations.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Computer Technology Skills (2005)

Grade 5

  • Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other technologies.
    • Objective 2.06: Create/modify simple content area spreadsheets to enter/edit, calculate, organize, and display content data for class/group assignment/project, citing resources. Strand - Spreadsheet

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 5

  • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
    • Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including stem-and-leaf plots) to solve problems.
    • Objective 4.02: Compare and contrast different representations of the same data; discuss the effectiveness of each representation.

Science (2005)

Grade 5

  • Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and use appropriate technology to build an understanding of weather and climate.
    • Objective 3.05: Compile and use weather data to establish a climate record and reveal any trends.