Get R.E.A.L Data

There are data and data interpretation standards at almost every grade level. To get R.E.A.L. with data, stop giving kids pre-made data sets to manipulate. Let them create their own data...the kids could survey their classmates, then interpret and present the information. This can be done using as much or as little technology as you like (or have access to!). This can also be done as a cross-curriculum project and a good way to incorporate Math standards into an interdisciplinary unit. Some great technology resources are Google Forms, Exel Survey or a website service like Survey Monkey. The students create the form and email the link to their classmates. Once the students have completed all the surveys, the small groups can go in and see the responses and prepare to present the information to their classmates. This is also a good time to incorporate Microsoft Excel or Google Spreadsheet to help students create tables or charts and graphs to create a visual representation for their data.