Topic: Quantitative Analysis with InspireData
~~~~~Learn~~~~~In order to be successful today and in the future, students need to make sense of data and use data to solve problems. InspireData is a program that encourages students generate, explore, and answer questions using large data sets. Watch this short video now on what InspireData is and how it is used. NOTE: You will need a copy of InspireData for this Activity. Click here for a free 30-day trial. |
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Use this "How-To" guide (skip page 3) from Inspiration with your copy of InspireData to learn to:
- Open a data set (use the 'Sleep Survey' data set in the MORE folder in the Resources)
- Switch between data views (Spreadsheet, Venn Diagram, Stack and Axis Plot, Pie Chart)
- Create Queries using Multiple Venn Diagrams
- Generate and answer questions related to the data set
- Save graphics that serve as evidence for answering your questions
~~~~~Practice~~~~~
InspireData can be used in a variety of ways. Teachers can decide to provide as little or as much guidance to students as needed. To give you an idea of the range of uses, you will engage in two different approaches to instruction that illustrate the range of this spectrum.
Approach 1 -- Self-Guided Inquiry: For the next 25 minutes, spend some time exploring the Social Studies data set called Early Native Americans. Do this by generating a question, answering it, and generating new and more complex questions from your answers.
For example, which tribes lived in the southeast region AND made clothes from plants? Which of those tribes ALSO used animals to make clothing? Are there any tribes that ONLY use plants for clothing?
Your instructor will guide you as needed through this process. As you work complete the following:
- Generate and write down 5 most important questions you created during this work session.
- Write down the answers to the questions you generated.
- Capture 5 images (plots, charts, etc.) supporting the answers to those questions.
- Improve on those 5 questions -- describe a more difficult variation for each of them.
Approach 2 -- Directed Inquiry: Using the data set called Cell Phone Plans (under FILE > OPEN RESOURCE > MATH) complete the following assignment:
~~~~~Assignment~~~~~
Create a document that includes the following:
1. Decide which approach from the Practice was most appealing to you and why. Be sure to:
- Make note of what you liked most and what you liked least about each activity you explored
- Include screen shots as images in the document that illustrate your point -- at least one screen shot for each activity you engaged in. (Refer to the Acquiring Graphics Topic for more on screen captures)
2. Choose a data set from InspireData (under FILE > OPEN RESOURCE ) and decide how you might use that data set in a lesson for a class you might teach. Be sure to describe the following:
- The objectives for the lesson
- The student outcomes you expect to see
- A short set of procedures/instructions you would give to students
- The guidance you would give to students to complete the lesson
Save this file. It will be the first thing you attach to the EDTEC 470 page of your personal web site in a future class session (refer to schedule for a specfic date).
~~~~~Tips for Success~~~~~
1. InspireData can be used to teach in an Constructivist manner. This means that students are allowed to generate their own meaning and knowledge based on their unique experiences. If this teaching style interests you, you can learn more from this website on Constructivism.
2. The InspireData website has lots of great classroom ideas. You can find them here.
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