What Are the Chances? Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability (Grades K-8)

Graphic: Andrew Ault

The meteorologist announces a 60 percent chance of showers. What is the probability of needing an umbrella today? On a daily basis, probability is used frequently to make decisions about the simplest parts of our lives. A quick look out the window and we can determine what type of clothing to wear by quickly assessing information we see. Students informally use data analysis every day, from determining if a game is being played fairly to collecting information and analyzing it to make better choices about purchasing a game or toy. Students ask their friends what are their favorite games, music stars, ice cream flavors, and more. Building on these simple curiosities, students can undertake more complicated investigations that involve taking surveys, recording data, and analyzing and interpreting their findings.

Connections

In all areas of the curriculum, students analyze situations, use critical thinking skills, and interpret data. Data analysis and mathematical probability are easily woven into science and social studies investigations. Studying population growth and trends, reading temperature and precipitation graphs in the daily newspaper, and conducting an inquiry to discover the favorite books read at each grade level are activities that engage students in mathematical data analysis and probability. As students take part in these real-world experiences and investigations, they have opportunities to become better critical thinkers and decision makers.

Web Resources

1. Statistics Every Writer Should Know
   
   http://www.robertniles.com/stats/
   (An ENC Digital Dozen selection, ENC#026022) Although this web site on statistics is geared to writers, it's a good resource for anyone wanting to brush up on the subject. The site presents easy-to-understand explanations of terms such as mean, median, percent, standard deviation, and data analysis. Mini-lessons provide examples that illustrate the terms and offer perspectives that help you examine and interpret data.
   
   
2. Data Analysis and Probability Standard for Grades 3-5
   
   http://standards.nctm.org/document/chapter5/data.htm
   This site states the instructional objectives and expectations for data analysis and probability. Explanations and examples are given for each of the standards.
   
   
3. Math Archives: Topics in Mathematics--Statistics
   
   http://archives.math.utk.edu/topics/statistics.html
   This site provides more than 80 links for use in teaching kindergarten through college. The linked sites contain background information, lesson plans, activities, and educational articles related to statistics.
   
   

Ready-to-Go Activities

1. The Birthday Problem: A Short Lesson in Probability
   
   http://www.mste.uiuc.edu/reese/birthday/default.html
   Grades 6-high school. This site presents a set of random birthdays and then has students analyze the data. The site also enables students to conduct their own classroom surveys and record and analyze the data.
   
   
2. Multimedia Math Glossary
   
   http://www.harcourtschool.com/glossary/math2/index_temp.html
   Grades K-6. The glossary at this site covers a wide range of mathematics terms and gives an example of the terms in graphic form.
   
   
3. Brain Teasers
   
   http://www.eduplace.com/math/brain/
   Grades 3-8. Three new questions are posted every week, one for each grade range--grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. If a student needs help, hints are provided. Answers are posted the following week.
   
   
4. Having Fun with Baseball Statistics
   
   http://illuminations.nctm.org/lessonplans/6-8/baseball/index.html
   Grades 5-8. Students explore statistics, practice calculations with fractions, decimals, and percents, and investigate probability using baseball cards in this 90-minute lesson (the plans include modifications for two 45-minute periods). The lesson also offers suggested extensions and links to other baseball-themed math lessons.
   
   
5. Collecting, Representing, and Interpreting Data Using Spreadsheets and Graphing Software: Collecting and Examining Weather Data
   
   http://standards.nctm.org/document/eexamples/chap5/5.5/index.htm
   Grades 3-5. In this E-example from NCTM, students use a spreadsheet to collect and organize weather data. They then use the graphing functions of the spreadsheet to represent and interpret their data. A sample, interactive spreadsheet is provided. If you want to extend the activity or have students practice setting up spreadsheets, you can use your own spreadsheet software.
   
   

Classroom Resources from the ENC Collection

1. The king's commissioners
   Featured in ENC Focus  
   Date: 1994 Grade(s): 2 - 3 Cost: $15.95 ENC#: 009718
   This illustrated picture book invites students to think about the ways to collect, organize, and record data, as the King asks for the Royal Commissioners in his court to be counted.
   (For more details see ENC Record)
   
   
   
2. The mathematical toolbox. Grades 1-8.
   Date: 1992 Grade(s): 1 - 8 Cost: $11.95 ENC#: 016995
   This book, published by the Cuisenaire Company, provides a collection of 35 activities arranged 8 to a page. Most activities require the use of manipulatives.
   (For more details see ENC Record)
   
   
   
3. Looking for data in all the right places: a guidebook for conducting original research with young investigators
   Date: 1992 Grade(s): K - 5 Cost: $18.95 ENC#: 014164
   This book offers a "road map" to get started with collecting, sampling, analyzing, and interpreting data. The data are collected through observations, surveys, and interviews, Tables, charts, figures, and blackline masters are used to support the investigations.
   (For more details see ENC Record)
   
   
   

Teacher Resources from the ENC Collection

1. Game factory: a simulation in which pairs of students investigate probability by determining the fairness of games
   Date: 1996 Grade(s): 2 - 8 Cost: $44.00 ENC#: 026601
   This guide offers games and activities for a 2-week unit on probability. Students play various probability games using objects such as dice, cards, and spinners. In each game, their goal is to determine if the game is fair and explain their conclusions. Although it is intended as a complete unit, many of the games could be used independently.
   (For more details see ENC Record)
   
   
   
2. Between never and always: probability
   Featured in ENC Focus  
   Date: 1996 Grade: 5 Cost: $40.00 ENC#: 010725
   Although this is a teacher resource for grade 5, it could be adapted for use in grades 3 to 6. The two investigations in this book look at fair and unfair games and finding and comparing probability. Examples are given as well as blackline masters for recording data.
   (For more details see ENC Record)
   
   
   
3. Helping children learn mathematics
   Date: 1998 Grade(s): K - 8 Cost: Out of Print ENC#: 012180
   This is a method textbook that offers effective classroom instruction of mathematics. There are activities and lesson plans for grades K to 8.
   (For more details see ENC Record)
   
   
   
4. Data: kids, cats, and ads, statistics
   Featured in ENC Focus  
   Date: 1996 Grade: 5 Cost: $40.00 - $650.00 ENC#: 010723
   This book uses five investigations to engage students in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. It is designed for grade 6, but activities can be adapted for grades 4-7.
   (For more details see ENC Record)
   
   
   

Search Strategies

Find more materials by searching Curriculum Resources on ENC Online using these terms: Data analysis, Data collection, Probability, Problem solving, Process skills, Statistics, or Surveys.

Connections to Standards

Realizing that there are many ways to use this Classroom Calendar entry, we chose these standards because they relate to the entry, in full or in part. If you want to explore the standards further, please use the link(s) provided.

Connections to NCTM Standards
Data Analysis and Probability: Understand and apply basic concepts of probability
Data Analysis and Probability: Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them
Data Analysis and Probability: Select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data
Data Analysis and Probability: Develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data