CNN Reporter

5th grade objectives according to the Texas state TEKS:

Math: (5.13) Probability and statistics. The student solves problems by collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting sets of data. The student is expected to:
(B) describe characteristics of data presented in tables and graphs including median, mode, and range; and
(C) graph a given set of data using an appropriate graphical representation such as a picture or line graph.

English Language Arts: (18) Writing/Expository and Procedural Texts. Students write expository and procedural or work-related texts to communicate ideas and information to specific audiences for specific purposes.

Science: (4) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry. The student is expected to:
(A) collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, prisms, mirrors, pan balances, triple beam balances, spring scales, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observations of habitats or organisms such as terrariums and aquariums;

Technology Applications: Solving problems. The student uses research skills and electronic communication, with appropriate supervision, to create new knowledge.

Procedures:
Students will work in pairs to complete their assignment. This assignment will take approximately a week working on the project for 60 min each day or the project can be split into several weeks working on one component at a time.
1. My students always love doing projects but I think it’s partially because I get them excited about it by using a story. For instance: CNN is hiring you to do an investigation and report your findings. You will need to choose a topic and research through the internet or collect data through a survey. I find it invaluable to provide students with examples of research ideas. Our campus will begin upgrades based on our last bond elections, so one idea I provided to my students is to survey staff and students concerning the greatest need for our physical campus. Encourage students to select topics that are relevant and meaningful.
2. Give students 5 minutes to select a topic with their partner. Then give students 55 minutes to collect data for their project (either by research or survey), all students will have 5 sets of data to graph.
*Students who complete a survey must question 50 people and offer 5 options, and these students should use a bar graph to display data. Students who research a topic must have at least 5 sets of data, if they are showing change over time a line graph is the most appropriate graph to display information.
3. Create a graph with data students have collected, go to http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx. The website prompts the user to select information such as the type of graph. Once the graph type is chosen the right side will display five tabs for completing the graph: design, data, labels, preview, and print/save. Complete all text boxes according to data gathered preview the graph, then download and save a copy of the pdf to the computer and print. It is amazing how professional the student’s graphs look once completed! This will take at least 60 minutes. Note: once data has been entered into the website it cannot be saved and changed later, it will have to all be entered at one time and saved or printed. The graph is downloaded as a pdf and is not editable.
4. Write a summary about the topic chosen. In the summary the student will explain why they chose the topic, type of graph, and identify what type of person would be most interested to learn the findings of the project. I would refer back to my example above and share with my students that the principal would be interested to know about the survey concerning building renovations. The summary will include an explanation for measures of central tendency: median, mode, and range. The summary should be written in complete sentence and have correct spelling. Give students 40 minutes to write the summary with their partner, for the next 20 minutes pair two groups together as a way to proof read and double check to make sure that all components of the summary are included.

Grading components:
Graph
• Data chosen is suitable for graphing
• Includes 5 pieces of data
• Appropriate graph type chosen
• Includes a title
• X & Y axis labeled
Summary
• Topic choice is clearly explained
• Purpose and audience of graph explained
• Graph type chosen explained
• Range, mode, median of data calculated correctly

Grant Wish: I would like to add one piece to this project that would be possible with a digital camera lab. Students will use movie maker to create their report for CNN, in this video report students will include a visual of the graph along with photos pictures pertaining to their graph. For example: students that surveyed most important school renovations would take a picture of each area listed as an option. Information from their summary would be used to draw conclusions and persuade the viewer of their personal opinion concerning the topic.

The addition of video and photos would reach other teaching objectives (19) Writing/Persuasive Texts. Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of a specific audience on specific issues. Students are expected to write persuasive essays for appropriate audiences that establish a position and include sound reasoning, detailed and relevant evidence, and consideration of alternatives.