Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Temperature Graphing Data

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science
Mathematics

Grade(s)

5

Overview

This learning activity is a great way to add high interest to grade 5 standards. It can be used after the study of identifying and plotting points on coordinate planes, relating points and finding distances in a coordinate plane, graphing and interpreting data in a coordinate plane, making and interpreting line graphs, and basic computer skills. This activity can be completed as a partner activity/assessment or an independent activity/assessment.   

This learning activity was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Resource Development Project, in partnership with Dothan City Schools.

    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

    MA19.5.20

    Graph points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane, and interpret coordinate values of points to represent real-world and mathematical problems.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.5.20

    Vocabulary

    • Coordinate system
    • Coordinate plane
    • First quadrant
    • Points
    • Lines
    • Perpendicular
    • X-axis
    • Y-axis
    • Origin
    • Ordered pair
    • Coordinate plane
    • Horizontal
    • Vertical
    • Intersection of lines

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Specific directions and vocabulary to explain ordered pair location.
    • The first number of an ordered pair indicates how far to travel from the origin in the direction of one axis and the second number indicates how far to travel in the direction of the second axis.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Graph points in the first quadrant.
    • Interpret coordinate values in context of the problem.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • graphing points on a coordinate plane provides a representation of a mathematical context which aids in visualizing situations and solving problems.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 5

    DLCS18.5.21

    Manipulate data to answer a question using a variety of computing methods and tools to collect, organize, graph, analyze, and publish the resulting information.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.5.21

    Vocabulary

    • manipulate
    • data
    • computing methods
    • computing tools

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • how to use tools to collect, organize, graph, analyze, and publish information.
    • how to manipulate data to answer a question.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • use tools to collect, organize, graph, analyze, and publish information.
    • manipulate data to answer a question.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • data can be manipulated to answer a question using a variety of computing methods and tools to collect, organize, graph, analyze, and publish the resulting information.

    Phase

    During/Explore/Explain
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Learning Targets:

    • I can graph points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane.
    • I can interpret coordinate values of points to represent real-world problems. 
    • I can demonstrate age-appropriate responsible use of digital devices and resources. 
    • I can manipulate data to answer a question using a digital device and resources to collect, organize, graph, and analyze the resulting information. 

    Activity Details

    Teacher Directions for Temperature Graphing Data:

    1. Start the lesson by asking students if they monitor the temperature on a daily basis–for how to dress, season changes, etc.? Have they been able to compare the temperature and even weather in certain other locations within the United States? If so, in what capacity?
    2. Tell them that they will have the opportunity to gather data regarding the weather in one or more U.S. cities of their choice, use ordered pairs to plot and label points in a coordinate plane, create a line graph, and analyze the data collected. 
    3. Pair the students or have them work individually.
    4. Pass out student paper– manual data worksheet.
    5. Hand out or have students gather a pencil and coloring supplies.
    6. Review student instructions.

    Student directions for manual graphing:

    1. Create a table that shows the monthly temperature average in a specific city for a prior year using the National Weather Service site.
      1. Scroll down and click on a state.
      2. Select a city under the View Tab button.
      3. Make sure daily data for a month is selected.
      4. Click on the year of the data desired, month, and year.
      5. Click GO.
      6. Scroll down to get the monthly average temperature (column 3) and write the temperature in the matching monthly box/bubble.
      7. Repeat until the entire year has been documented. (Ex. Miami, FL, from January to December 2021). 
    2. Step 1: Write the ordered pairs from the table. (January, 25), (February, 40)
    3. Step 2: For each axis, choose appropriate numbers to represent the data in the table.
    4. Step 3: Write a title for the graph and label each axis.
    5. Step 4: Plot a point for each ordered pair and create a line graph.

    Student directions for digital graphing:

    1. Use your manual data to place the information in the spreadsheet. 
    2. Watch the graph change based on your personal data.
    3. Check your work.
    4. When complete, use the student computers to share the digital document with the teacher through the teacher’s preferred method–email or print.
    5. After completing the graph, answer the data analysis questions.

    Teacher Notes: 

    1. If students are unfamiliar with data input, demonstrate where to place each number correctly and monitor input on each student’s computer.
    2. When students have completed the activity, have the students share the digital document with the teacher through the teacher’s preferred method–email or print.
    3. Print color copies of data.
    4. Display alongside the manual data and/or questions created and/or answered by the students.

    Assess the completed tally line graph using the rubric.

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The student’s work can be assessed using the rubric.

    The teacher can evaluate each student’s completed graph and data analysis questions.

    Acceleration

    Have the student(s) use one major city and create a “Coordinate City”.

    Intervention

    The teacher will provide the student with a set of data (coordinate points) to the graph. The number of coordinates can be reduced if needed.

    Approximate Duration

    Total Duration

    46 to 60 Minutes

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    Student Preparation:

    Students will need prerequisite knowledge and experience in the following skills:

    • Use the first quadrant in a coordinate plane to identify coordinates of a given point.
    • Use the first quadrant in a coordinate plane to explain how the location of an ordered pair is determined.
    • Given a real-world situation involving a relationship between two variables, graph a representation of the situation and interpret coordinate values of the points in the context of the problem.
    • Given a graph representing a real-world situation, interpret the coordinate values of the points in the context of the situation.
    • Access instructional digital platform
    • Use keyboard, mouse, and touchpad

    Teacher Preparation:

    • This lesson could take 60 minutes to 120 minutes depending on student levels and pacing. It can be assessed by the rubric. There is no separate rubric for the manual and digital line graphs. The spreadsheet platform will create the digital graph automatically. This can be a single or double-line graph activity. Temperature highs and lows from one location can be compared, or the temperatures of two different locations or two different cities’ temperatures. Students should indicate the variables they are comparing in the blank boxes. The teacher will need to determine if the activity will be completed individually or in partner groups.

    Materials and Resources

    Materials and Resources

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO