Gold Seal Lesson:
Let's Have A Field Day

Copernicus Education Gateway

 

Subject:

 

Mathematics

Grade:

 

 

5-8

 

 

 

ICLE Standards:

 

 

Mathematics as Problem Solving: Acquire confidence in using mathematics meaningfully.

Statistics: Systematically collect, organize and describe data; develop an appreciation for statistical methods as powerful means for decision making.

 

 

 

Performance Task:

 

 

Note to the teacher: This task will require several days for the students to complete. Calculators should be available for student use. The Student Council of Central Middle School would like to have a field day for the 8th grade class during the last week of school. The school principal has agreed to consider the request if the student council can produce a workable plan for the day. She has requested that a committee be appointed to plan the day's activities, including a list of activities and events, prizes and food/refreshments needed. The principal has asked the committee to prepare a budget, develop a program/schedule for the day and design a logistical plan that will guarantee a successful field day. The principal wants the field day to reflect the opinions of both the student body and the faculty. She asks the student committee to provide her with data supporting their plan for the field day.

Your task is to assume the role of a student on the committee at Central Middle School and carry out the principal's request as described above.

Note to the teacher: Have the class do some brainstorming to generate ideas as to what data they need and how they might obtain it. Divide the class into groups of four or five students, each representing a planning committee. With your group, develop a plan to design the field day and to get the information requested by the principal. Using the collected data, prepare a budget and schedule of events. Each student will write a brief summary of his/her efforts and findings. The group will make an oral presentation to the class.

 

 

 

Knowledge / Skills:

 

 

Perform operations with signed (positive and negative) numbers, including decimals, ratios, percents, and fractions.  (m1)

Understand the best procedures for statistical data collection, organization, and display.  (m5)

Use the technique of dimensional analysis to convert units of measure (e.g., convert km/hr to m/min).  (m33)

Present information in well-organized fashion that will be clear to the target audience.  (ela11)

 

 

 

Rubric:

 

 

4 Points  =  The student shows an understanding of how to collect and use data. The budget and time schedule reflect a careful analysis and interpretation of the data. Computations are shown and are accurate. The student demonstrates the ability to cooperate in the group process, contributes to group decisions and assumes a leadership role in the group. The data are effectively organized. The student reflects on all aspects of the group's plan and contributes significantly to the oral presentation, speaking fluently and with poise.

 

 

3 Points  =  The student shows only a partial understanding of how to collect and use data. The budget and time schedule indicate that the student collected data, but had some difficulty in analyzing and using the data. The student demonstrates satisfactory group participation, but does not take a leadership role in the group. He/she shows calculations, but they contain some inaccuracies. The student contributes satisfactorily to the oral presentation.

 

 

2 Points  =  The student has a lack of understanding regarding the collecting and organizing of data. Data analysis is minimal. The student shows little calculations and they contain several errors. He/she is not an effective member of the group and makes little contribution to the oral presentation.

 

 

1 Point =  The student shows no understanding of data analysis. Data collected is insufficient and disorganized. The student does not show any computations in written work. He/she makes no contribution to the group task and does not participate in the oral presentation.

 

 

 

Keywords:

 

 

STATISTICS
DATA COLLECTION
MEASUREMENT
SURVEYS
COMPUTATION 
ORAL PRESENTATION

 

 

 

Grades:

 

 

Kg [] - 1 [] - 2 [] - 3 [] - 4 [] - 5 [X] - 6 [X] - 7 [X] - 8 [X] - 9 [] - 10 [] - 11 [] - 12 []

 

 

 

ICLE Application:

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

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