Favorites Survey and Graph

   Have you ever wanted information quickly from a group of people?  Maybe you just wanted to know where people stand on a subject?  Maybe you needed to collect data from a small sample or large collection of peers.  It happens...We all like to know how people are thinking about topics of interest every now and then. 
    This information, or data, must be collected efficiently and accurately.  We look at the data and analyze it.  We make observations, comparing one set of info to another.  We look for patterns, or trends.  Why do we do this?          
    Inquiring minds want this information.  Think about this for a minute...Wouldn't a sneaker company like to know if you like laces or velcro on your sneakers?  This knowledge would effect their designs, production, and promotion of their product.  A candy company might want to know what your favorite flavor is so they can make more candies with people's favorite flavors to sell.  Maybe your friends are interested in gathering this info so they can get your favorite toy, book, or cd for your birthday.   People have many different reasons for wanting this information.   
    What would you like to know about people's "favorites"?  Your mission is to design a question involving what people think about a particular subject.  You must conduct a survey and tally the responses to your question.  How will you know that your tally is accurate?  Prove that it is.
    Your job is to create a folder in your personal space entitled "Math" if you have not already done so.  You will create a  graph using Microsoft Excel.  Please enter the data you collected on your spreadsheet using the appropriate labels.  Does the graph represent the information you collected?  Have you checked for spelling?  Is the graph easily interpreted?  Does it make sense?
    Now, your job is to import the graph into a Microsoft Word document by doing a copy and paste.  You are now ready to interpret the data from the graph.  Create a title.  Write your observations in paragraph form beginning with an introduction.  Next, include a paragraph that explains your thinking about what you found.  Make comparisons.  Look for differences among the data.  Draw conclusions based on your information.  Use fractions to report out (e.g., Less than one fourth of the class liked white chocolate).  Write a concluding paragraph that wraps up your main points and possibly has a personal connection.  Finally, proofread, edit, and print out your document.  We will share your observations with the class.

Page  created by Deb Gurwicz, Orchard School Faculty Member
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