Where Should They Go for the Tallest Roller Coasters?
Data Story
In this Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Data Story, students investigate whether Florida is the best state for riding the tallest roller coasters. Students begin with evidence from one state, evaluate an initial claim, and then gather additional data from more states before making a final claim. Through the investigation, students discover that stronger claims and better decisions come from considering enough evidence rather than relying on a single example. Students will: Read and interpret bar graphs. Compare numerical data across groups. Make evidence-based claims. Recognize how additional evidence can strengthen or change a claim. Use evidence from graphs to justify conclusions. Revise their thinking as more data become available. Big Idea: Good decisions are made by looking at enough evidence before reaching a conclusion. Scientists and mathematicians gather and compare multiple sources of evidence before making recommendations or drawing conclusions.
Road Trip Time! Jordan and Maya love roller coasters. They want to visit one state where they can ride lots of tall roller coasters. Jordan starts by looking at roller coasters in Florida. After seeing Florida's roller coasters, Jordan says, "We should go to Florida. That's where we'll find the tallest roller coasters!" Maya isn't sure. She says, "Florida has some tall roller coasters, but we've only looked at one state. I think we should compare roller coasters in more states before we decide." Let's investigate the data to see which idea the evidence supports. Click Next to investigate!
Topics and standards: Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, Tuva Jr., 4-MD-B-4, 4-E-12-1