Do Shark Attack Totals Tell the Whole Story?
Data Story
Students compare shark attack data from California and Florida. They first look at the total number of shark attacks, then reveal whether each attack was fatal or non-fatal. Students use evidence from both graphs to decide whether a claim is supported. Students will: Interpret information from bar graphs. Compare data from two states. Recognize that additional variables can provide new insights. Evaluate whether evidence supports a claim. Revise a claim when new evidence is available. Use evidence from multiple graphs to justify conclusions. Teaching Tip: Students may initially believe that the graph with the most shark attacks tells the whole story. Encourage students to discuss what information is missing before making a conclusion. Highlight that mathematicians and scientists often revise their thinking as they gather additional evidence.
Shark attacks are rare, but they sometimes make the news. Scientists collect information about each shark attack, including where it happened and whether the person survived. In this Data Story, you will compare shark attack data from California and Florida between 2004 and 2006. As you discover more information, you may strengthen or change your thinking about a claim. Click Next to get started!
Topics and standards: Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, Tuva Jr., 3-MD-B-4, 4-MD-B-4, 4-E-12-1