Grafton High School
Taylor County


Title: Surveys, samples and the population

Grade Levels: 10-12

Subjects: Psychology, English/Language Arts, Science

Learner Outcomes:

  1. Explain the survey method and the importance of proper sampling.

Duration of Lesson: Five 50 minute classes

Materials:

  1. Computer
  2. Microsoft Word
  3. Excel

Technology Tools/Courseware:

  1. Computer
  2. Spreadsheet
  3. Microsoft Word

Teacher Notes:

  1. Computer contact signed.
  2. Permission from administration.

Procedures:

Day One

  1. Divide class into small groups of four or five.
  2. Groups brainstorm ideas for questions to be researched using the survey method.
  3. Groups decide what target population of student  each group will need to research to gather data to test their hypothesis.
  4. Using the computer lab the groups will design survey and questionnaire to be used.
  5. Each group will option permission to conduct survey from teacher or administration if necessary.

Day Two and Three

  1. Student will collect data and use Excel to help analyze it.
    1. Record responses in Excel.
    2. Examine the information.
    3. Determine if the information is sufficient to test the hypothesis.
    4. Conduct more research if necessary.

Day Four

  1. Groups will draw conclusions for their research and write a summary of their project using Microsoft Word. This summary will list the five steps of Scientific Research each step will be labeled and discussed in relationship to this project.

Day Five

  1. Each group presents their finding to class.
    • Enrichment  Ask each group to discuss what a different target population would have had on the data.

Modifications:

  1. Modifications will be made based on those listed in students IEP.
  2. Oral as well as written presentation.

Enrichment Activities: Computer lab

Evaluation/Assessment: Rubric

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

Psychology
P.4 Compare and contrast various methods of observation and gathering information.
P.5 Describe and use elements of an experiment.
P.21 Use appropriate software and variety of audio visual and multimedia materials.
English/Language Arts: 10.4, 10.42, 11.96, 11.99

Science: 10.9, 10.14, 10.15, 10.16

National Standards:

Behavioral Studies:
1. Understands that group and cultural influences contribute to human development, identity, and behavior.

Science:
1. Understands the use of hypothesis in science( e.g., selecting and narrowing the focus of data, determining additional data to be gathered; guiding the interpretation of data )
2. Designs and conducts scientific investigations ( e.g., formulates testable hypotheses; identifies and clarifies the method, control, and variables; organizes, displays, and analyzes data; revises methods and explanations; presents results; receives critical response from others)

Language Arts:
1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
2. Gathers and uses information for research purposes.

References:

Psychology Principles in Practice  Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, Spencer A. Rathus, 1998
Psychology Its Principles and Applications, Harcourt Brace, and Jovanovich, T.L. Engle and Louis Snellgrove 1989

Authors:  Alan De Piano, Judy Poe and Tom Spadafore  


Overview Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5

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