More data.......

Basis for which information can be derived.

In Maths and Science data =  facts (measurements, words, numerical, graphs, observations, etc.)

With Computers data = a structured set of numbers representing digitised texts, images, sound or video.

Computers can manipulate data to solve problems.

Some everyday data we see is; clocks, banking, maps, timetables etc.

We also have our own data such as; my eye colour is green, my hair colour is brown, my favourite food is pasta, etc.

Data can be: numerical or categorical.

NUMERICAL DATA INCLUDES:

Continuous data = can be within a measured range such as money and cup measurements in cooking and can include decimals or go between ranges.

Discrete data = is measured in whole numbers. E.g. three kittens, 1 book, 5 mugs, etc.

CATEGORICAL DATA INCLUDES:

Qualitative data (research world) = nominal or ordinal.

Nominal – cannot be ordered into a logical sequence. E.g. eye colour, gender, nationality, or text data such as descriptions.

Ordinal – can be ordered or ranked. E.g. numbers, scale of grades, deck of cards, performance, etc.

Data can be used in combination. E.g. Students might look at blocks. They can sort and describe block attributes which help them form patterns. They can then present this data / information to the class.

When we collect data about 1, 2 or 3 things it is manageable but once we start getting large amounts of data such as data on our students, library books, doctor surgeries etc. We need to use a data base. Too much data makes things unmanageable. Computer systems make this easier and more efficient. Computers are analysing, categorising and sorting data.

Spreadsheets are a great start using either paper or computers to collect data. Creating a spreadsheet for a party is great example including data on Name, Address, Dietary needs etc. That way you can analyse the data to plan what you need, the menu to provide, etc. I loved this example as it shows how approachable and easy it can be to explain to children.