Using Various Forms of Applications to Collect Data

In Chapter nine, I like the idea of having students use spreadsheets, pie charts, bar graphs and etc. to input their data in.  There was an example of a math activity, in which, the student had to figure out how long it will take Emery to save up and get a skateboard.  Various scenarios were given and they had to figure out, in that scenario, how long it will take for Emery to save up for that skateboard.  What I love about this is it gives students a chance to calculate the different options they came up with and discuss it as a group.  They are not only learning how to figure out how many weeks will it take for Emery to buy the skateboard, they are learning a real life lesson.  They are learning about money.

Many students do not like nor want to do math, but little do they realize that math is in our everyday lives.  If I were to give my students a lesson like this, they can compare it to their lives.  They will then think about what they want to buy for themselves and how long it will take them to save up for it.  They will also think about if they spend less on certain items, how much more money will they be able to save each week for the item they want.  This is a great lesson because it also teaches them the value of a dollar.  Many children don't understand the value of saving money for something you want. This is a lesson that can relate to everyone in the world.

Showing the students how to use spreadsheets, pie charts and bar graphs are beneficial to them.  It helps them to become organized and also teaches them how to read graphs.  The ability to read graphs is something that is taught and many students still have a problem with it.  When they create their own graph it will definitely help them learn to read a graph because they are the ones creating it.  Having the students use spreadsheets are also beneficial to them.  They will realize that spreadsheets can be used to put down all their expenses and a person can see how much they spend in a week, month and year.  I believe projects dealing with money will have so much impact on the student's lives and spending habits.  Even if they don't change their spending habits they will be more conscious of how much things cost and understand what they have to do if they want to save money.