IPS - Day 29

Today was focused on looking at graphs of data. The student survey data was used and students presented their graphs to the class. The presentations were used to emphasize the characteristics of good graphs and what was and was not appropriate graphical representations for categorical and quantitative data.

Most students did well with categorical graphs. Students used either pie graphs or bar graphs to present their data. With the exception of minor labeling issues the graphs presented were well constructed and labeled.

For the quantitative data there was more variation. Students created histograms for number of sisters and then had the x-axis labeled as if it were a category. Bin sizes were not always equal on graphs. Labeling was not as consistent.

One student created a line plot for gas prices. This lead to a discussion of the appropriateness of this graph. When asked if there were two variables being analyzed the response was no. I then pointed out that the order of the data set was arbitrary and could be reordered. This would results in an entirely different graph.

No students created a stem and leaf plot, although most students had indicated that they knew how to create one. One student created a box plot. The graph was well labeled. The whiskers were drawn to the minimum and maximum. I didn't check to see if there were outliers but the proper construction of a box plot making use of the 5-number summary and IQR will need to be addressed.

The plan is to cover these types of issues as the need arises while analyzing the data that the class generates.

Visit the class summary for a student's perspective and to view the lesson slide.