Activity Introduction
Quick summary: During this lesson students collect data on the trees in their schoolyard. They compare results and discuss possible reasons for different results taken from the same population. They take their learning outside and collect authentic data that they can draw real conclusions from.
This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.
We’ve taken elements of this lesson and adapted them for remote learning. You can find this activity here.
Learning goals:
- Students understand how to record categorical data using a tally.
- Students understand how to display their data using a dot plot.
- Students recognise how to analyse numerical data.
- Students recognise the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 7 Mathematics
- Identify and investigate issues involving numerical data collected from primary and secondary sources (ACMSP169)
- Construct and compare a range of data displays including stem-and-leaf plots and dot plots (ACMSP170)
General capabilities: Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Relevant parts of Year 7 Mathematics achievement standards: Students calculate mean, mode, median and range for data sets. They construct stem-and-leaf plots and dot plots.
Topic: Outdoor Learning, Biodiversity.
Unit of work: Outdoor Learning Unit.
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity and facilitate discussion.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. One copy of Tree tally sheet for each student/group. One copy of Tree Tally – Dot Plot and Tree tally – Analyse the class data for each student.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Keywords: Data, statistics, primary source, outdoor learning.
Cool Australia would like to thank the Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust – managed by Equity Trustees.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation
