PERTS Elevate Resource Library

Making Math Matter: Using Real-World Data

Help students explore meaningful questions and apply newly learned math concepts using authentic data.

Grades 6-8, 9-12 Math Video ยท 1:43

Overview

Making Math Matter: Using Real World Data helps students explore meaningful questions using authentic data. They apply math to real topics ranging from sports to climate change, build reasoning skills, and see how math helps make sense of the world, not just solve equations.

Through this practice you will be able to:

  • Boost engagement by linking math to student interests.
  • Build reasoning skills through real-world data.
  • Encourage inquiry by having students ask their own questions.
  • Promote inclusion by honoring diverse interests.

Materials

  • Real-world data sets (printouts or digital)
  • Chart paper or whiteboards
  • Markers
  • (Optional) Internet access for live data gathering
  • Graphic organizers or data analysis templates
  • (Optional) Digital collaboration tools (e.g., Padlet or shared Google Docs)

Day Before Prep (~60 min)

  1. Select or Curate a Real-World Data Set (10-15 minutes): Choose a relevant and engaging data set that aligns with the standard. This could be sports statistics, social media trends, environmental data, local community data, etc. See the websites linked in the Additional Inspiration section for ideas and data sets.

    • Option for Teacher Choice: Choose a data set yourself that ties directly to your objective and student interests. Reference the Task Relevance Rubric.
    • Option for Student Choice: Give students a menu of data sources or have them brainstorm topics of interest, then guide them in selecting or finding an appropriate data set that still aligns with the learning goal.

  2. Design an Open-Ended Task or Prompt (10-15 minutes): Create a task or investigation prompt that encourages students to ask questions, explore patterns, or solve problems using the data. Ensure the task provides space for inquiry while staying connected to the targeted math concept.

  3. Prepare Any Supporting Materials (10-15 minutes): Gather or create tools students may need for analysis (e.g., graphing tools, calculators, digital spreadsheets, templates for recording findings).

  4. Anticipate Student Questions or Challenges: Review the data set and task from a student perspective. Consider what background knowledge or supports students may need, and plan mini-lessons, guiding questions, or scaffolds accordingly.

Conducting the Practice (50-65 min)

  1. Introduce the Task (5 minutes): Open this practice by informing students that they will have the opportunity to make connections to real-world topics as they explore the current math standard. Here is sample language you can use to introduce this practice:

    "Today, we're going to use math to explore a real-world topic that connects to some of your interests. Instead of solving a typical math problem, you'll work with an actual data set, one that reflects something relevant, like sports, social media, or environmental issues. You'll get to ask your own questions, look for patterns, and apply the math concepts we've been learning to make sense of the data. This is an opportunity to see how math helps us understand real situations, make informed decisions, and make sense of the world around us."

  2. Hook the Lesson (5 minutes): Start with an engaging question or recent headline related to the data set (e.g., "Has smartphone use really increased stress?").

  3. Introduce the Data Set (5-10 minutes): Provide background and context. Share or project the real-world data and give students time to explore it.

  4. Pose a Central Question (5-10 minutes): Prompt students to generate their own mathematical questions about the data. If needed, model examples or provide scaffolds to support students in question development.

  5. Student Exploration (15-20 minutes): In small groups, students analyze the data using mathematical tools, (e.g., calculating averages, creating graphs, modeling with equations).

  6. Discussion & Modeling (10 minutes): Support students in translating their findings into visual, numerical, or algebraic models. Encourage multiple representations.

  7. (Optional) Share Findings (20 minutes): Groups share findings, emphasizing not just results but the mathematical reasoning they used.

  8. Reflection (5 minutes): Facilitate a class discussion on what they learned about the math and the topic. Consider journaling or exit slips to help students internalize how math helped them think more critically or differently.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overwhelming or overly complex data sets: Choose data that's accessible and structured to support your learning goals without unnecessary noise.
  • Too much teacher control: Let students pose their own questions when possible. This promotes ownership and deeper engagement.
  • Ignoring diverse interests: Offer a few topic options or let students vote on which data set to explore. Relevance increases motivation.
  • Lack of reflection time: Build in space for students to articulate both what they discovered and how they used math to get there.

What to Look For

  • Students are actively discussing, questioning, and making sense of the data.
  • Mathematical reasoning is visible in student talk, written work, and models.
  • Students demonstrate ownership and curiosity about the topic.
  • There is evidence of real-world connections being made during student reflections.
  • Use of math language and connections to broader concepts are visible.

Additional Inspiration

This practice was developed in collaboration with WestEd.