page background

Math Matters

Data Literacy

Math MattersData Literacy
Data literacy is the ability to read, work with, analyze, and argue with data. Much like literacy as a concept relates to competencies with reading and written language, data literacy focuses on the competencies involved in working with data. Our culture is quickly becoming data rich and data driven. Almost everywhere you will find information presented in charts or graphical form and statistical information abounds.


In this issue of Math Matters, I'll highlight some resources that can help teachers include more use of data displays and statistical and probabilistic thinking within the classroom to support students in becoming increasingly more data literate.

A Few FREE Ideas

zoom_out_map
Jo Boaler, in partnership with the YouCubed project through Stanford University has launched a new data literacy site. Click here to check it out.
open_in_new zoom_out_map

What's Going on in this Graph?

The New York Times keeps a site just for graphs you can use to prompt thinking and engage data dialogue in the classroom.
open_in_new zoom_out_map

"Why Kids Need Data Literacy and How You Can Teach It"

This article in the School Library Journal references not only some good ideas, but also some additional linked resources.

open_in_new zoom_out_map

USA Today

The USA Today newspaper is a great source of charts and graphs that you can easily use as an engage into learning. Just google USA today graphs to get lots of choices. Or click the image to see their site just for teachers.
open_in_new zoom_out_map

Statistics and Graphical Displays Tutorial

I compiled this powerpoint years ago to support data literacy with teachers in my district who had little background in statistics through traditional generalist teacher prep programs. Hopefully it will help you too. It covers basics about all types of graphical displays and the statistics we can also explore within them. Use it for yourself and your students as needed. Its free on my downloads tab at www.mathcutups.com.
zoom_out_map
Use picture books when possible to give students visuals to connect to concepts and to help them more easily engage. Even middle and high school kids LOVE a picture book now and again.
zoom_out_map
Use data at your fingertips. I get a community impact newsletter monthly in my mail and its full of locally applicable data you can use to spark learning. It doesn't have to be the whole lesson. You can use these for warm ups.
zoom_out_map
A funny meme always gets kids talking. Why not capitalize when you find one and use it as a jump off point to increasing data awareness and literacy.
zoom_out_map
Help students understand different types of graphs, the data they are used for, and the information they provide.
zoom_out_map
Help students in choosing the best display to use for a data set and then to answer questions using the display.
zoom_out_map
Help students understand how sample size and collection methods influence how representative the data of a whole.
zoom_out_map
Help students better understand statistical measures including mean, median, mode, range, variation, and deviation.
zoom_out_map
Help students practice interpreting measures of data and then generalizing how sample size impacts the numbers.
zoom_out_map
Help students recall statistical terms and their meanings using a fun and interactive game format.
open_in_new zoom_out_map

Mini-Lessons on Data

Throughout the years I've also created a few mini-lessons to help my students explore and practice. I offer these on my Teachers Pay Teachers store, but I am sharing one here for free in case it helps you. The ones I have online include:

  • Graph It! Exploring Graphs of Categorial Data
  • Making Cents: A Middle School Data Investigation
  • Common Cents: Investigating with the Slope-Median Line

Click the image for a FREE copy of Graph it! which can easily be used from grade 3 through middle school.

open_in_new zoom_out_map

A Final FUN Idea

I wish I had thought of this but its so easy and fun to do and kids will just LOVE this. In lower elementary we often would create bar graphs and real life pictographs using objects. Once students transition to paper construction of graphs, why not try making one using emojis?! Click the picture to go to the post I found with more information.
zoom_out_map

Thank you!

I hope you find inspiration and/or support for your teaching through my newsletters. Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts or questions. I would LOVE to hear from you.

Kelli

Integral Mathematics, Inc.

Email: integralmathematics@gmail.com
Website: www.mathcutups.com
Location: Frisco, TX, USA
Phone: 214-461-5760
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mathcutups
Twitter: @mathcutups