This unit provides both mathematic and scientific connections. Rather than isolate the content areas, this unit will combine these subjects to create a more comprehensive understanding of the material. Students will also have the opportunity to learn and use popular computer software to create data tables and graphs.
While the two content areas will be taught in unison, the standards it meets are divided into their own subjects. The mathematics standards, which are the emphasis throughout the unit, focus on analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. The standards are listed below:
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· Analyze patterns and data to make generalizations, make predictions, and to identify trends.
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· Represent sets of data using line plots, bar graphs, double bar graphs, pictographs, simple circle graphs, stem-and-leaf plots, and scatter plots.
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· Compare different representations of the same data set and evaluate how well each kind of display represents the feature of the data.
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· Design and conduct surveys of a representative sample of a population and use the data collected to begin to make inferences about the general population.
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· Determine the mean, median, and mode of a data set and explain in writing, how they are affected by a change in data set.
Other Connecticut Mastery Test standards will be reviewed and addressed such as, Venn diagrams, classifying information, and drawing conclusions based on graphs and tables.
The core scientific inquiry, literacy, and numeracy standards are achieved based on the core grade 3 - 5 themes and many of their corresponding expected performances. The curriculum currently states that “Scientific inquiry is a thoughtful and coordinated attempt to search out, describe, explain and predict natural phenomena. Scientific literacy includes speaking, listening, presenting, interpreting, reading and writing about science. Mathematics provides useful tools for the description, analysis and presentation of scientific data and ideas.”
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More specific strands include for students to:
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· Make observations and ask questions about objects, organisms and the environment.
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· Seek relevant information in books, magazines, and electronic media.
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· Design and conduct simple investigations.
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· Use data to construct reasonable explanations.
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· Analyze, critique, and communicate investigations using words, graphs and drawings.
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· Search the web and locate relevant science information.
