U5 Day 9-12: Lesson Resources

Exploring Computer Science Unit 5 Best Practices
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U4 Day 9-12: Lesson Resources

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I REALLY enjoyed teaching the lessons on data representation because I am a math teacher. Below is the handout the kids used (there are a bunch of example graphs that did not transfer). They had already done an extensive amount of data collecting and representation using Google sheets. Next, we watched several videos on Youtube about motion charts. They converted their “bubble” charts to motion charts, which they really enjoyed.

Developing motion charts:
Before we create a motion chart, we will first create several graphs of data that will then be represented on a motion chart.

  1. Create a line graph of the population of Strongsville, Berea, North Royalton and Brunswick from 1990 - 2015. Here’s an example how it is used:

  2. Create a line graph of the number of students in each of their school systems

  3. Now look how motion charts work:

  4. Put your data from #1 and 2 in this format - the cities are countries, X and Y are the city population and school population. For color and size, consider graduation percentages, drop out rates, other data?? . (Use http://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/ and choose some other data.)
    x

  5. Having trouble finding this info? Try city population and crime rates, etc. (Use http://www.city-data.com/).
    Create a motion chart that we can share with the class. Document where your data came from so we can discuss the research process.

Note to teachers using this: there were some issues with data collection. I used data about towns around us because I thought it would be interesting. Some cities did not have data easily accessible. Next time, I will start with data that I provide then have them research on their own to collect data they find interesting.

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I wish I had the opportunity to get to this lesson with my students. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it out of Unit 4 before the end of the year. However, I know (from every other unit) that when given an activity sheet I had to make Spanish versions. I have a large Newcomer ELL population and Spanish instructions were always necessary.

So, for anyone looking - my resource is a Spanish version of the instructions for the Day 9-12 student instructions. Hope this helps someone!