Qualitative and Quantitative Data
A critical part of any scientific experiment is collecting and analyzing
data (as seen in the
WHAT'S UP IN THE ENVIRONMENT? Web site, long-term projects). In this
lesson, students learn first-hand about the strengths and weakness of
qualitative and quantitative data by gathering and analyzing data collected
from a classroom poll. Using what they’ve learned, students design and
conduct a poll of their own. As an assessment piece, students can use
what they’ve learned to teach their peers about qualitative and quantitative
data, or stage a debate over the merits of qualitative versus quantitative
data.
Grade Level:
Grades 6-8
Time Allotment:
6-7 class periods
Subject Matter:
Science, Social Science, Math
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Understand the difference between quantifiable and qualitative data.
- Use a qualitative or quantitative data collection method, or combination
of both, based on the type of information they collect.
- Create and use strategies to promote valid data collection.
- Use what they learned to design conduct a poll.
Standards
Mathematics Standard 6: Understands and applies basic and advanced concepts
of statistics and data analysis
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=21&
StandardID=6
Level 3 (Grade 6-8)
Uses data and statistical measures for a variety of purposes (e.g., formulating
hypotheses, making predictions, testing conjectures).
Science Standard 11: Understands the nature of scientific knowledge
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=2&
StandardID=11
Level 3 (Grade 6-8)
Knows that an experiment must be repeated many times and yield consistent
results before the results are accepted as correct.
Thinking and Reasoning Standard and Benchmarks Standard 3: Effectively
uses mental processes that are based on identifying similarities and differences
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=21&
StandardID=3
Level 3 (Grade 6-8)
Selects criteria or rules for category membership that are relevant and
important.
This lesson was prepared by Suzanne Furlong.
