Above Image: Two students record tomato germination data on a chart
What is it?
The Data to Tables learning strategy provides students with a process of converting raw data collected during inquiries into various table formats (i.e., T-charts, multiple-column data tables).
Why use it?
- To support the development of data management skills
- Understand the structure of data tables
- To provide students with opportunities to organize and display data obtained through quantitative observations
- To make data ready for a more visual type of representation, such as a graph or infographic
How do I use it?
Tips for success
- Students new to using tables should begin with table templates that are pre-labelled and appropriately organized for the anticipated amount and range of data.
- Adapt table templates to provide greater opportunities for students to determine labelling requirements, units of measure and formats of displaying data.
- Explicitly teach and practice Processes of Science such as Identifying Variables so that students understand which test groups they are comparing (Independent Variables) and the measurement being recorded to compare these groups (Dependent Variables).
Variations
- Have student share and explain tables they have created with other students.
- Daily observation charts can be done individually or collaboratively.
- Individual students could be assigned to complete given days of the daily observation table.
- Provide opportunities to have students incorporate tables into inquiry reports, inquiry summaries and presentations (see the Making Conclusions section).
- Use raw data collected from extensions of the Seed Investigation to organize data and create tables.
- The various templates in the Tools and Template section can be differentiated according to grade level, interests and abilities of students.
Seed Investigation Class Daily Germination Table
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Data to Tables - Exemplar - Daily Germination Table
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Data to Tables – Seed Investigation - Daily Germination Table
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Data to Tables - Exemplar - Daily Germination Table
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Daily Observation Table – Template K-3
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Daily Observation Table – Template 4-12
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