There are many ways in which we can help our students to visualize data. As a high school science teacher, my students and I spend a lot of time with data. A large portion of the ACT exam requires the students to have the ability to interpret data that is presented in a variety of ways. The most common way that data is represented is a graph. There are many different types of graphs depending on the type of information that you are wanting to represent. Create a graph is a web tool that students can use to make line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts and more. Graphs are very beneficial to the students because they can easily make connections between variable. An example can be seen below.
Another effective method for visualizing information is by using a time line. Time lines help students to be able to see the sequence of events quickly and in the correct order. Below is an example timeline highlighting some of the important events in American history.
Source: http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/learning-american-history-through-movies-free-timeline/
An indicator graphic can also be useful. This type of graphic could be used to help students visualize hoe close they are to a goal. I have also seen indicators used for classroom management to help students realize when they are getting too loud. A great example that students are familiar with is the speed indicator in a car that helps people to understand how fast they are traveling. You will find a few examples of indicators that you can use with students.
Source : https://de.123rf.com/photo_4089869_thermometer-graphic-showing-progress-towards-goal.html Source:https://www.shutterstock.com/image- vector/low-moderate-high-rating-meter-vector-132194801
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteI loved using graphs in math and science when I was a student. I think they are an outstanding, visual tool to help us understand the task at hand and what is expected of us. Graphs are also an excellent way to present data, as it is usually easier to understand and we process visual data faster than text.
Create-a-Graph was a tool I discovered early on in our master's program. I LOVE this tool, and I'm so glad you do too. It is very user-friendly, and yet very detailed for the students. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of use for it in the elementary library. ;-)
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteExcellent examples of visualizing data. I’m glad you mentioned the ACT because graphs and visualizing data is a large part of the ACT. I didn’t think about timelines representing visual data, but it is also a great example. I love the timeline of American History that is in the social studies hallway at the high school, because it is a great representation of visual data. As you know, also in science we have data collectors that allow students to see graphs immediately after collecting data which help them with drawing conclusions about an experiment. Additionally, graphing calculators are another great tool to help students visualize data.
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteRE: "Create a graph is a web tool that students can use to make line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts and more."
Create A Graph (https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/) is an oldie but a goodie. I used that tool with my 5th and 6th graders. It makes the process of data visualization so simple for them. You might also want to try the Online Chart Tool (https://www.onlinecharttool.com/graph). It is a bit more sophisticated and will provide more options for your older students.
Dr. Dell