Using ICT in mathematics: handling data problems

Examples

Using a spreadsheet to manipulate and display data to support an argument

Suitable for: wave 1 teaching, interactive whiteboards, projector and screen, ICT suite.

A series of activities based around making an argument to support a hypothesis, where data is supplied and pupils choose and use the appropriate means to present the data. In each example there is not one 'correct' answer, and pupils are encouraged to create some form of presentation to support their argument. Pupils should be assessed on their ability to select appropriate data to support their argument.

The data is in the form of a spreadsheet so it could be manipulated, sorted and graphed; or it could be imported into a graphing software package.

The activities are best completed where pupils have, in pairs or small groups, access to computers.

Objectives covered

• Independently devise a suitable plan for a substantial statistical project and justify the decisions made.
• Use an appropriate range of statistical methods to explore and summarise data; including estimating and finding the mean, median, quartiles and interquartile range for large data sets (by calculation or using a cumulative frequency diagram).
• Select, construct and modify, on paper and using ICT, suitable graphical representation to progress an enquiry and identify key features present in the data. Include:
  • cumulative frequency tables and diagrams
  • box plots
  • scatter graphs and lines of best fit (by eye).
• Examine critically the results of a statistical enquiry; justify choice of statistical representations and relate summarised data to the questions being explored.