In Mathematics, students in Room 12 have recently been exploring how to collect and graph first-hand data. One math task had students begin by watching a “hook” from Math Up. After watching a short video clip, students were asked to identify what they noticed and what they were wondering about.

Students then went on to answer if they thought the information that the young girl had collected in the video was helpful. Many students in Room 12 stated that they did not think the young girl had asked enough people or the right people. Working collaboratively, students came up with some possible ways that the young girl could improve her question to make it more useful.

Possibilities:

• Make sure your question is not too open-ended when collecting first-hand data
• Ensure your sample size is large enough
• Ask the right people

Students then went on to complete their own math task which involved them creating their own survey question for the school population at Andrew Sibbald. Students were required to survey at least 20 people from multiple grades and then plot their tallies in both a dot plot and a bar graph.

Learning Intention:

• I can create a survey to find out information I want to know. I can collect the information, organize it, and show it.

I will complete the task successfully if…

• I decide on a topic I can collect data about using a survey. I use good questions and ask enough of the right people.
• I can record and show my results on a table or chart
• I can tell some things my survey results show
• I can explain what makes a good survey question
• I can explain how to choose the right people to ask questions
• I can represent first-hand data in a dot plot or bar graph

Students worked in small groups to complete this task. After looking around the classroom and the school grounds (both inside and outside), each group was able to come up with a question. Some of the questions asked were:

What addition would you like to see added to our Learning Commons?

• A Mindful Breathing Station
• An ArtHub
• More books

What physical education equipment would you like to see added to our school?

• Outdoor Soccer Nets
• Omnikin Balls
• Netballs

If we added an indoor greenhouse to our Learning Commons, how often would you use it?

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Not at all

After completing their surveys, students analyzed their results and represented them in a bar graph and dot plot. Students then invited Mrs. Scarrow to visit our classroom so they could share their findings with her. Mrs. Scarrow gave many students a set of “next steps” and some groups were told that she could implement the change immediately. Thanks to the hard work of the students in Room 12, we now have ten new books being purchased for the library!

In addition to this, some students are in the process of finding out how to add two new Omnikin balls to the gym equipment room, where to place an Art Hub in the Learning Commons, how we might add hockey next and goalie pads to our outdoor play and the cost and size of a possible indoor greenhouse. Stay tuned.