Illuminations: Representing Data

Representing Data

This unit focuses on the application of mathematics to real-world situations. Students deal with data to complete an organized chart, and create and interpret graphs to generalize a rule. This unit was adapted from the article "IDEAS: Applications," by Marcy Cook, which appeared in The Arithmetic Teacher, vol. 36, no. 8, April 1989, pp 27-32.


Individual Lessons

Lesson 1 - Skin Weight

In this lesson, students complete a chart by multiplying or dividing a given value, compare two categories in a line graph, and identify number patterns.

Lesson 2 - Whale Weight

In this lesson, students investigate relationships between numbers, identify number patterns, represent the information in graphic chart form, and generalize the results of an investigation. Specifically, students explore the relationship between a whale's length and its weight.

NCTM Resources

Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Thinkfinity Verizon Foundation
More and Better Mathematics for All Students
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