PBL - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions (STEMscopes TN 3.ESS2.3 and 2.4, Explore 2)
Task
##Teacher Background Where This Resource Fits Within STEMscopes TN Use this resource with STEMscopes TN Scope 3.ESS2.3 and 2.4 Weather and Climate during the Explore phase. During Explore 2: PBL - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions, the "statistician" is asked to set up a data table and use it to record data about their assigned location's average monthly high temperature and average monthly low temperature for the months of December and July. Instead of drawing their own data table on paper, have the students input the data on Tuva. How Tuva Enhances the Lesson In Tuva, students are not required to draw their table or graph manually. This can save time and also make the activity more accessible for students who struggle with manual dexterity. In Tuva, the data table set up is scaffolded. In a project-based learning environment, where different kids are doing different things, it can be hard to meet the needs of every student. The scaffolding helps students function independently, while still getting them to think critically about the decisions required when setting up a table. STEMscopes stipulates that creating a graph of their data is optional. This is likely because most third-graders would not yet have the skills to independently set up a graph. However, Tuva's drag-and-drop data tools make it easy for all students to easily make a data visualization showing their location's temperature data. They can take a screenshot of their graph and print it or include it in their group's presentation. If all groups create graphs, the result will be a classroom set of visuals comparing the climates of different locations. Instead of relying solely on verbal or numerical information about the location's climates, you will now have visuals students can use to comprehend the differences. Expert Tip Consider creating a classroom dataset that includes all locations. Once all of your statisticians have gathered their data, input it into one data table on Tuva. Simply set up a table that includes the columns location, month, average low temperature, and average high temperature. Then, you can do one of two things: You can share the dataset with your class within Tuva. They can actively explore the data, comparing different locations using the graphing tools. You can make an assignable activity of your own using the dataset. That way, when students create graphs, the teachers can see what they have created. Want some help? Reach out to us at hello@tuvalabs.com. We can arrange a time to connect.
You are your group's statistician. You will be collecting data. Your instructions tell you to create a data table. Don't create the data table on paper. Instead, create it in Tuva Jr. Click Next to get started.
Topics and standards: STEMscopes Science TN