Make Some Observations!

I am going to give you some raw data – information that alone will not help you.  But, if you put the numbers together, observing things about how things are connected and asking yourself good questions (like why or how) I believe you can make some good conclusions.  Or at least we can get a good start.  Let’s get started.  Please bring in the work you do tomorrow to be checked.

Here is the raw data:

Step 1:

Are these numbers alright on their own or do they need to be converted to a percentage?  If they are fine, don’t do anything.  If they need to be converted, figure out how to do it.

Step 2:

These numbers would probably make more sense if they were in some sort of visual.  Convert the data to a graph (or several graphs).  They do not need to be perfect.  They can be a quick sketch.  Just make sure that you have labeled the graph properly.

Step 3:

Look at your graph and the raw data.  Now write out some observations.  Try not to focus just on the obvious. Observe similarities and differences.  Write out at least five obersvations.

Step 4:

Now ask some questions.  Write out at least three different, specific questions regarding the data.

Step 5:

Are you able to come to a conclusion?  Probably not.  What further research needs to be done?  What other pieces of data is needed?  Write out at least three.

Extra-Credit:

I’ll give some extra credit points to anyone goes ahead and takes the next steps.  Find the data you are looking for and repeat the process until you can find some conclusions.  PRB.org is a good place to start.  The data from above is from 2009.

Bring in your handwritten/typed work tomorrow.