Minds On

What is data?

Using the tool of your choice, record your thoughts about these two questions:

  • What is data?
  • What do you know about data?

When you are finished, explore the following video, “Lady Vocab: Data”:

We are now going to reflect on this video using the Triangle-Circle-Square strategy. Here is what you should include in your reflection:

  • Triangle: Record three important points that you learned about data.
  • Circle: Record one idea that is “circling” in your head. This can be anything that you are still wondering about data.
  • Square: Record one idea that “squared” with your thinking. This can be anything that you already knew about data or anything that you agree with.

Throughout this learning activity, you can record your thoughts digitally, orally, or in print.

How is data collected?

Explore the following bar graph:

When you are finished exploring the bar graph, answer the following questions using the tool of your choice:

  • Why might this data have been collected?
  • Who do you think collected this data?
  • How do you think this data might have been collected?
  • Do you think there is a better way to collect this data? Explain your thinking.
A group of young students wearing backpacks as they walk across a crosswalk.

Once you have answered every question, think about the two following scenarios:

What is the difference between these two methods of data collection? Record your response using the tool of your choice.

Action

Sources of data

When we conduct research we gather information from multiple sources. These are the two types of data sources:

Primary sources of data are gathered first-hand by the researcher themselves. For example: observations and measurements collected using surveys and experiments.

Secondary sources of data are gathered second-hand by analyzing data that has already been collected by other researchers. For example: data found in magazines, newspapers, government documents, or databases.

Sorting

Explore the following table:

Primary Sources Secondary Sources

Collect data by conducting a survey

Collect data from Wikipedia

Collect data by interviewing someone

Collect data from the Guinness World Records

Collect data by sending out a questionnaire

Collect data from Statistics Canada

You are now going to determine if a source of data is primary or secondary. Review the four sources of data below and choose the correct answer for each one.

Using the tool of your choice, reflect on your responses by answering the following question:

  • How did you determine if a source of data was primary or secondary?

Collecting your own data

Brainstorm

Climate data

How might you collect data about the climate in Ontario over the past five years?

Record your ideas using the tool of your choice.

Three young students squat on the ground outside. The students on the left and right are using magnifying glasses to observe a leaf held out by the student on the left. The student in the middle is writing on a notepad.

Review Option one and Option two below. Choose one option and answer its questions. Record your answers using the tool of your choice.

Option one: collect your own data on a topic of your choice.

  • Collect and list two or more pieces of data about your topic.
  • How will you organize your results?
  • List two or three conclusions from this data. Explain why these conclusions make sense to you.
  • Are there questions you still have that your collected data does not help you to answer? How might you answer these questions?

Option two: research data on a topic of your choice.

  • Research and list two or more pieces of data about your topic.
  • How will you organize your research?
  • List two or three conclusions from this data. Explain why these conclusions make sense to you.
  • Are there questions you still have that your researched data does not help you to answer? How might you answer these questions?

Consolidation

Is it a primary source or a secondary source?

Which of the following sources of data are a primary source and which are a secondary source?

A) Surveying your classmates about their favourite food

B) Analyzing a graph of Canadians’ favourite books

C) A public poll about Ontarians’ favourite sport

D) A table that shows a network’s most watched TV show

An example of primary data is observing a tiger in the wild. An example of secondary data is reading a book or report about tigers.

Should I use a primary source or a secondary source?

Now review the following scenarios. Think about if it would be better to use primary or secondary data sources for each scenario.

A) You want to determine the favourite musician of students in your school.

B) You want to determine who the best professional basketball player is.

C) You want to determine how many different animal species live in Ontario.

D) You want to determine the average amount of time it takes a group of athletes to complete a training course.

E) A restaurant wants to know what the most ordered dishes are at breakfast, at lunch, and at dinner.

Reflecting on sources of data

Reflect on your previous responses by answering the following questions. Record your reflection using a method of your choice.

  • What is the difference between primary and secondary sources of data?
  • When would you use a primary source of data?
  • When would you use a secondary source of data?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.