Task
Most
spreadsheets have graphing functions that create graphs to facilitate
comparing columns of data. Use the graphing function of the spreadsheet
below to graph the daily temperatures by date to see the pattern of the
temperatures during the month. Next, graph the temperatures after they
have been sorted from lowest to highest in the spreadsheet. In this way,
students can get a different view of the data, showing the range and
distribution of the temperatures for January. Make a bar graph to
display the sky conditions during the time documented in the
spreadsheet.
Discussion
Students in grades 3–5 should continue to
develop the habit of representing problems and ideas in many ways to
support and extend their reasoning. Spreadsheets offer a wide range of
options for representing data. Working with spreadsheets, students must
make decisions about the data they select, the type of graph that is
appropriate for both the data and the question they want to answer, and
the best settings for the different parameters that control the aspects
of the graph. When making these choices, students have the opportunity
to learn about the advantages and limitations of the different
representations they try.
Take Time to Reflect
- In what other activities can spreadsheets be used as tools for organizing, representing, and comparing data?
- How can spreadsheet activities offer opportunities for students to demonstrate their reasoning?
- How can teachers assess students' understanding as they observe them working on spreadsheet activities?