Illuminations: Numerical and Categorical Data

Numerical and Categorical Data

In this series of three lessons, students formulate questions that can be addressed with numerical and categorical data. They then collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer those questions.

Math Content

Students will:

  • formulate and refine questions that can be addressed with categorical data
  • pose and refine questions that can be addressed with numerical data
  • consider aspects of data collection such as how to word questions and how to record the data they collect
  • represent and analyze the data in order to answer the questions posed
  • describe the shape of a set of data and compare related data sets
  • measure with standard units and carry out simple unit conversions, such as from centimeters to meters or feet to inches
  • recognize differences in representing and analyzing categorical and numerical data
  • identify examples of categorical and numerical data

Individual Lessons

Lesson 1 - Categorical Data

In the first lesson of this unit, students formulate and refine questions that can be addressed with categorical data. They consider aspects of data collection such as how to word questions and how to record the data they collect. Finally they represent and analyze the data in order to answer the question posed.

Lesson 2 - Numerical Data

In the second lesson of this unit, students pose and refine questions that can be addressed with numerical data. They consider aspects of data collection such as how to obtain measurements and record the data they collect. They represent and analyze the ordered numerical data by describing the shape and important features of a set of data and compare related data sets, with an emphasis on how the data are distributed. In collecting data, students measure with standard units and carry out simple unit conversions, such as from centimeters to meters or feet to inches.

Lesson 3 - Comparing Categorical and Numerical Data

In the final lesson of this unit, students recognize differences in representing and analyzing categorical and numerical data. Students also identify examples of each type of data.

NCTM Resources

Navigating through Data Analysis and Probability in Grades 3‑5
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Thinkfinity Verizon Foundation
More and Better Mathematics for All Students
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