Engage

Students: 

Watch the Youtube Video on a stem and leaf plot of median ages based on the 2,000 census.

Based on the Youtube video that you saw discuss how you could use a stem and leaf plots to display data that you might collect.

 

Teachers: 

This gives a real life connection for stem and leaf plots.  However it does move beyond two digit whole numbers into integers and decimals.  Be sure to explain the connections and difference to your children.

 Follow this link to the Youtube Video.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti13FuDvYrw&feature=related

Explore

Explore

How are graphs used in the school?
Students will be given 30 minutes to tour the school in search of graphs. When graphs are located they will need to ask the creators questions to determine why the graphs are created and what they are bring used for.

What are the different types of graphs and what are they used for?
Students will explore different types of graphs and their uses using the following website. http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/

• Please direct students to experiment with bar graphs, line graphs, and pie graphs.

Students can
• Choose a Design (bar, line, pie)
• Insert Data (This can be created)
• Choose Labels (Check labels for comprehension of concepts)
• Preview (This is a great time to talk about editing and revising!)
• Print and Save

Discussion: Students will then create a list of ways in which these graphs are like and unlike stem and leaf plots, thereby discerning the need for stem and leaf plots.  They will also discuss how the data can be used to draw conclusions and make predictions.

Explain

Students:
With a partner, or small group formulate a question to which you might collect varied two digit data. Survey as many people as possible, by asking your question and reporting their responses. Together you will create a stem and leaf plot of the data collected.

Share your stem and leaf plots with the rest of the class. Does everyone's plot look the same? Explain why or why not.

Work with a partner or small group to create a digital version of your stem and leaf plot and analyze the data you collected.  You need to find the mean, median, mode, and range.  for the data that you collected. Be sure to draw conclusions and make predictions based on the data.

Your presentation should include the following slides:
1. Title with a descrtiption of the data being plotted, and the names of all group members

2. Stem and Leaf Plot. Your raw data should also be included. (A list of the numbers)

3. Conclusions Drawn (You must list at least 5 conclusions drawn from the data, and a short explain as to how your drew them.)

4. Predictions Made (You must list at least 5 predictions made from the data, and a short explain as to how your made them.)

5. Mean, Median, Mode, and Range. (Please tell what you can tell about the data from each of these measures.)

Teacher:
This web site will help solidify the students' understanding of stem and leaf plots.
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/stemleaf.htm

Students may need help formulating questions to which they will collect appropriate data. Give them many examples, and show them real life ones whenever possible.

Elaborate

Create a new stem and leaf plot.   You should do this with a new set of data. Then draw conclusions and predictions based on the data. Share your first slide with your classmates and have them draw conclusions and make predictions, then show them your predictions and conclusions. Discuss which are the same and which are different, and why.  You can then post this on a new webpage.

Evaluate

You will analyze other groups' data and make predictions and draw conclusions based on their data. Your analysis of the other groups data will be graded to help determine your ability to read the stem and leaf plots, draw conclusions, and make predictions. The groups will be graded using the rubric listed below for the webpages, readability of your stem and leaf plots, predictions made, and conclusions drawn.

Criteria	Unsatisfactory	Needs Improvement	Satisfactory	Exemplary
Composition of Stem and Leaf Plots	Data is completely inconsistent with the data presented in the graph  (More than 4 errors)	Data is somewhat consistent with the data presented in the graph. (3-4 errors)	Data is mostly consistent with the data presented in the graph (1-2 errors)	Data is completely consistent with the data presented in the graph (No errors)
Predictions and Conclusions (Must have at least 5 of each!)	Predictions and conclusions are completely inconsistent with the data presented in the graph  (More than 4 errors)	Predictions and conclusions are somewhat consistent with the data presented in the graph. (3-4 errors)	Predictions and conclusions are mostly consistent with the data presented in the graph (1-2 errors)	Predictions and conclusions are completely consistent with the data presented in the graph (No errors)
Powerpoint Presentation	Technology was  used with little purpose	Technology was used with some purpose	Technology was used with purpose	Intuitive technology use with specific purpose
Overall Final Project	Inconsistent and inappropriate aesthetics and technical functionality	Somewhat consistent and appropriate aesthetics and technical functionality	Consistent and appropriate aesthetics and technical functionality	Consistent, creative and appropriate aesthetics and technical functionality

Extend

These ideas can be used to extend the lesson into other parts of the day.

1. Graph of the Day: Present graphs in different forms each day. This could be line graphs, bar graphs, and or stem and leaf plots.

2. The graphs can be analyzed to find the mean, median, mode, and range of the set of data.

3. Analyze the data in the graphs to draw conclusions and make predictions.

Students can create their own needs for data and analysis throughout the year. This data can then be collected, displayed and analyzed. Press students to use the data to make predictions, draw conclusions, and ultimately make decisions!

Related Resources

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx: Internet tool that helps students create graphs on the web

http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/StemAndLeafPlotter/ : Practice creating stem and leaf plots and calculating mean, median, mode, and range. It will automatically give values, so that students can check their work

http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/KindsOfGraphs/default.htm : Review simpler types of graphs and compare when and how they are used.