Data in general: collection, display, and analysis, has always been one of my favorite math topics. It opens up so many different ways to have fun in math and the knowledge transfers to so many other subjects. I was heartbroken when Common Core took the majority of data from 5th grade and moved it to 6th. I mean, it's still there, but the fraction focus seemed to take most of our time.
A really fun challenge was to find different ways to collect our data. I learned so much from PD connected to the TIMSS Study (remember that?) and it was a great springboard to other strategies. Here's one that is easy, inexpensive, and very visual.
Take a paper towel tube or several bath paper tubes. I covered them in white paper to make them move attractive. If you use a paper towel tube, cut it in 2-3 pieces as needed.
Make the appropriate signs for the data you're collecting. My 3x5 index cards are life savers to me and it's easy to decorate them a bit.
I bought a package of 36 small hair scrunchies for $1 at the Dollar Tree and laid them in front of the display.
My students knew what the question was: Do you prefer lemonade, sweet tea, or cola? If you're training students at the beginning of the year, you can write out the question and directions on the board or a sheet of paper.
Students take turns entering their answer by putting a scrunchie on the appropriate tube. Ta-da! You're done! Now, you can talk about the data: compare, contrast, make analysis statements, transfer the data into a table, and/or transfer the data onto a paper copy with different graphs. So fun!
How do you collect data? I'd love to hear from you!
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