Data Collection and Analysis Project

Real data is elementary's bridge to science. A survey of 30 is the control — bigger sample, better signal. Indirect aim: empirical methods, preparation for research, data literacy.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Operations
• Level: Ages 7-9

Objectives

• Design a survey question
• Collect data from classmates or community
• Tabulate and graph results
• Draw conclusions with limitations

Materials

• Survey form
• Clipboard
• Graph paper
• Presentation materials

Instructions

1. Choose a question ('favorite fruit' or 'hours of screen time'). 2. Design survey — clear, quick to answer. 3. Collect from at least 30 people. 4. Tabulate. 5. Compute mean/median/mode if numerical. 6. Graph (bar, pie). 7. Draw conclusions: what does the data show? 8. Note limitations: small sample? biased group?

Educator tip

Teach limitations as much as findings. Children learn to doubt statistics.

Assessment

Observe methodology, analysis, and honest discussion of limits.

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