This module explores using data to determine relationships between occurrences. Adejoke, Theo, and Janey are having a tough time after receiving their final grades on a recent math test. They have an idea of the culprit; however, they need evidence to support their claims. For this reason, they decide to conduct research (using a survey) with the help of two special mathematicians. Your task as a mathematical researcher will be to critically analyze the data they provided and determine whether their claim was correct. 

After this module you will be able to:

• Design and plan a survey to gather information in the form of quantitative data.
• Apply data analysis skills to determine relationships between variables.
• Compute the mean, median, and mode using the survey results.
• Construct a graph that best represents data accurately.

Materials

• STEM journal
• Printable Survey Activity Graphing Instructions (Recommended for grades 6 and 7)
• Printable Survey Activity Digital Graphing Instructions (Recommended for grades 8 and 9)
  • Graphing program (Ex: Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel)
  • Survey program (Ex: Google Forms or Microsoft Forms)
• Printable Try This - CODAP Activity
• Printable Try This - Graphing Challenge (choose from below)
  • Caffeine Consumption by Age
  • Impact of Social Media on Teens
  • Most Used Social Media Apps
  • Superhero Box Office Revenue
  • Wildfires in the U.S.
  • Youth Sports Participation
• Survey participants
  • (NOTE: Please get permission from your parent or guardian about accessing potential survey participants.)

Safety

This lesson does not expose participants to hazardous materials or chemicals. Due to COVID-19, we urge participants to practice local guidelines regarding physical contact with others. When conducting surveys, we strongly recommend using virtual methods of gathering data. 

Activity

Hey Mega Math Fans! Complete today’s challenge using the appropriate survey activity instructions! After completing the activity, be sure to include your research in your STEM journal. See the materials listed above. Share your survey with friends and family.

Dig Deeper

Try This

Did you know that data can be analyzed to make predictions and improve strategies? People often observe trends to develop and improve strategies relating to business, gaming, finances, and more. Check out this CODAP Student Activity using CODAP to see how data can be used to improve your gaming strategy! Use this game to save Madeline from Markov’s lab.

Did you know that every business in the world uses data? Whether they try to market their product to the ideal consumer or want to beat competitors with the next big idea, surveys and other forms of data collection are extremely useful. Try one of Turner’s Graphs of the Week challenges. Select one of the options of a topic you find interesting (below). 

• Caffeine Consumption by Age
• Impact of Social Media on Teens
• Most Used Social Media Apps
• Superhero Box Office Revenue
• Wildfires in the U.S.
• Youth Sports Participation

Watch This

Did you know that correlation does not equate to causation? In other words, just because there is a relationship or trend between two factors does not mean that one causes the other. View More

Did you know that there are many factors that go into a survey? The way you format/word your questions can impact the results. You need to put yourself in the respondent’s point of view when deciding how to word your survey. Watch this for more information regarding how to design your own survey. View More

Show What You Know

Meet Our Expert

Did you know that computer science is all around us? Our use of digital technology is often influenced by or includes the use of computer science, which could one day be used to create SMART cities! Dr. Aron Laszka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Houston. His research expertise includes using computer science to monitor traffic conditions, weather conditions, and track elevation maps. Dr. Lazska also completed research in artificial intelligence for security, the economics of cyber-security, and game theory.

Meet The Teachers

Jacqueline Ekeoba
Program Director, teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive
Lecturer, teachHOUSTON, Department of Mathematics, University of Houston
Jacqueline Ekeoba is an alumna of the inaugural group of students graduating throughthe teachHOUSTON program (University of Houston). She then earned an M.A. in STEM Education and Engineering (University of Texas) and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Global Pragmatic Research in STEM Education (Texas Tech University). As a former high school science teacher and instructional coach, she mentors and volunteers through her church and sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Zeta chapter). In her free time, she writes comic book fan fiction, experiments with allergen friendly cooking and channels her inner Beyoncé with karaoke.

Adejoke Adeniyi
Biology Major, Mathematics Minor, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Adejoke is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, majoring in Biology and minoring in Mathematics. She is a part of the teachHOUSTON program which supports ongoing field-based teaching experiences. She is studying to be in the medical field in the future and has a great love for mathematics. During her free time, she loves to cook, sing and paint.

Janey Le
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Janey is a junior at the University of Houston where she is majoring in Mathematics and is part of the teachHOUSTON program. Her wish after graduating from UH is to become an educator and a guide to her future students. She believes that every child deserves the best education possible and should be given the opportunity to showcase their strengths and follow their dreams. When she is not busy with school, she enjoys visiting museums, participating in outdoor activities and learning about different cultures.

Theodore Leung
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Theodore is currently a sophomore at University of Houston majoring in Mathematics and taking part of teachHOUSTON. He is pursuing a degree in Mathematics. Theodore is looking forward to becoming a high school math teacher and basketball coach. In his free time, he plays basketball, jogs, and plays video games.

Andy Salinas
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Andy is a current undergraduate at the University of Houston. He has an enormous passion for Mathematics. That being said, he loves to eat “Pi”! When he is not working with numbers, he tends to go jogging or play video games.

Ana Gutiérrez
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Ana is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Spanish. She is also in teachHOUSTON, a certification program for secondary STEM teachers. Apart from math and Spanish, her third passion is music. In her free time, Ana enjoys singing and playing piano, learning to embroider, watching YouTube and cooking/baking vegetarian food and desserts.

Juan Pantoja
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Juan is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and obtaining teaching certification through the teachHOUSTON program. He is always in search of something new to learn. You can catch him at his local park in his free time running the trail. He plays the saxophone and considers music his other passion.

Liandra Larsen
teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive Video Editor
Liandra is a Research Graduate Assistant for the teachHOUSTON Program. Currently, she’s pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Houston. Her research interests include improving the university experience for first-generation and transfer students. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, binge-watching shows on Netflix, and overspending at Target.