Creator: USA.gov | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
View data sets to determine trends in data. Enhance critical thinking skills and analysis by choosing "Raw data." See the "Tool Catalog" for access to widgets and data mining tools, or "GeoData" to determine trends, ask questions about these trends, and search for answers. As you teach about data manipulation in math class, use "real world" examples that students will find interesting. A tutorial on using the data is provided. Search the database by search term, file type, or category as well as the state and local level. Either view data or download for later analysis. Be sure to check the Data Policy on the site for citing and using data set information and the other sections including an FAQ section that is very helpful. Looking for data sets that you can’t find? Suggest them to Data.gov for consideration.
In the Classroom
Demonstrate this site (or the portions useful in your classroom) on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Use data related to population such as birth, death, marriage, etc. as well as other social data such as energy and utilities and education. As you teach about data manipulation in math class, use "real world" examples that students will find interesting. Geodata includes data sets such as Biology and Geology, political boundaries, and Atmosphere and climate. As a problem solving activity, allow students to access any data of interest, develop a useful graph, and create a statement or set of questions about the data. Looking for an online graphing tool? Check out Chartgo (<a href="/single.cfm?id=10211">reviewed here</a>). Students should develop reasonable hypotheses about the data, find relevant information that leads to further understanding, and potential solutions for understanding the problem. Class discussions can lead to the complexity of most problems and associated issues. Students can create elevator pitches that propose solutions or reasons to be concerned about issues or related blog posts that follow the conversations about the data. Create a dialogue with scientists, government officials, or other experts in understanding data, issues, and solutions. Use data as evidence for debates.
At Home
Are newspaper articles about issues confusing? Use the raw data to identify trends and look at data from different angles to see other patterns for greater understanding. Use the data with your student to understand that all statistics can be looked at in different ways for different conclusions.
Tags
data, statistics, data, statistics,
Subjects
Earth Science/Geology, Economics, Economics, Geography (US/World), Math, Social Studies, Social Studies, Social Studies, Social Studies, Social Studies, Social Studies, Government/Civics: U.S,