Lesson 1

Students begin the unit by interacting closely with data. They collect data about themselves by measuring and answering survey questions, studying the different types of responses collected, and identifying the appropriate variables and units being measured.

Students learn about categorical and numerical data. They determine whether a particular survey question will produce one type of data or the other. They also get reacquainted with dot plots (often called line plots in earlier grades) as a way to represent data and make sense of what the data points mean in context (MP2).  

For the activity Surveying the Class:

Choose 4–5 survey questions and measurement activities in advance. Be sure to include questions and activities that would produce both categorical and numerical data. The questions about how and how long it takes students travel to school (the first two prompts) and students’ heights in centimeters (the third prompt) will be used in a later lesson, so be sure to include these questions. Provide sticky notes to each student on which they can record their responses. Set up one position in the room for each selected question where students may put their sticky notes to have a visual display of responses.

To collect measurements, prepare measuring stations equipped with the necessary tools (e.g., rulers, measuring tape, etc.), instructions on how to measure, and a way to record the measurements. Students can then rotate through the stations.