This lesson makes extended use of data in a
technological setting. It further extends the use of the Internet.
Students use encyclopedias,
reference sources, pencils and paper for researching selected
topics.
Students use the above resources as well as the Internet and multimedia integrated software.
**Before students use the computer, the teacher should discuss with students how data from different countries can be collected. Some ideas may include looking at countries using reference books, sending for data sheets from embassies and consulates (addresses on world wide web) or using the "Web" to research info about countries such as
a. national percentage
b. percentage of populations in cities, towns
c. population figures for first 5 largest cities
d. percentage of population ages 11 to 14 years
e. percentage of population employed in first 5 industries
f. percentage of literate population
Students will compare countries "like with like" (countries with similar make ups).
Teachers will want to divide students into groups to study perhaps 5 countries per group. Each group will divide tasks: editor, illustrator, statistician, text writer, Web expert, etc.
Teachers may decide to do a lot of work with different types of software to divide this with various groups or students.
a. spreadsheet for certain ranges of data which will then be turned into charts
b. conventional database for use of facts
c. artwork for flags, national symbols, art treasures, and mapping
d. copy writing using a word processor or text editor on national economies and history
a. make up a country and describe "My Ideal Land"
b. record in math journals and share with others their impressions of work and what they learned
c. mount an exhibition of material covered
using electronic display and/or interactive multimedia package
For my example lesson, I will be comparing facts about India and Japan.
a. percentage calculation
b. averages, mean, median
c. approximation (rounding)
d. statistical significance, standard curve of distribution and standard deviation
Lesson 1- calculating percentages
FACTS ABOUT INDIA:
a. national population: 1,014.003,817
b. area: 1,269,413 sq mi
c. population of 5 largest cities:
New Delhi: 294,149
Bombay: 15,725,000
Delhi: 10,298,000
Calcutta: 12,118,000
Madras: 3,841,396
d. literacy rate: 52%
FACTS ABOUT JAPAN:
a. national population: 126,549,976
b. area: 145,874 sq mi
c. population of 5 largest cities:
Tokyo: 27,242,000
Osaka: 10,618,000
Yokohama: 3,307,136
Nagoya: 2,162,000
Sapporo: 1,719,000
d. literacy rate: 99%
Have students calculate the
population totals into percentages using Excel. Students
can show these totals using a bar,
line and pie graph.
Lesson 2 - creating a database for Facts
Using ClarisWorks version 5.0,
students can create a database of facts for the five countries
that they will have to research.
Lesson 3 - creating a picture collage
Students will use the scanner and digital
camera to place artwork,
pictures and maps of their countries onto the computer.
Assessment: Students will have completed projects as well as portfolios.