Grade Level:  4, 5, and 6

Subjects:  Math, Geography

Learner Outcomes:  The student will be able to collect and organize data from the internet in the form of a bar graph.

Duration of lesson:  45 minutes

Materials:  Grid paper, coloring tools, ruler, paper, pencil

Technology Tools/Courseware:  computers, internet, Power Point presentation

Teacher notes:
· Each student will need to sign an acceptable use policy.
· A prior introductory lesson to bar graphing should be done.

Procedures:

1. Review the parts of a bar graph.

2. Have students go to Power Point presentation for visual…this bar graph shows the average depths of the Great Lakes.

3. Explain to students they will be constructing a bar graph like the example given in the Power Point presentation.

4. Explain to students the proper way of choosing an interval for the scale and include all labeling (e.g. title, axis).

5. Students visit/read the website about the Great Lakes and will construct a graph of the shoreline lengths (miles) for each lake on their grid paper.  Students should construct their bar graphs neatly (using a ruler) and colorfully.

6. Have students interpret data and draw conclusions about their graph.

Modifications:  Students with learning difficulties may sit next to a helper.

Enrichment Activities:  A double bar graph may be constructed comparing the length and width of each lake.  Students may use a Power Point slide or and Excel program to construct their graph.

Evaluation/Assessment:  Students will be evaluated on accuracy of their graphs. Use this rubric to evaluate this lesson.

National Standards:

Geography
1.  Knows major physical and human features of places as they are represented on maps and globes.

Math
1.  Understands and applies basic and advanced concepts of statistics and data analysis.
2.  Organizes and displays data in simple bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs.
3.  Reads and interprets simple bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs.

West Virginia Instructional Goals & Objectives:

Math 4.28, 5.23, 5.26, 6.24
Social Studies 4.44, 5.32, 6.27

References:
a) Great Lakes
b) any 4th or 5th grade math manual

Authors:
Becky Aldridge
Karen Allen
Natasha Mucho
SS Peter and Paul School