Lesson Plan

Lesson Title: Representing Data Graphically

Subject Area: Math
Grade Level: 9
Lesson website: http://www.ocearch.org

ISTE Standard
The activity covers the ISTE Standard that facilitates student learning and creativity. The activity teaches math
and uses technology to facilitate learning and creativity by involving a global shark tracker. The activity
engages students in exploring real-world issues using digital tools and resources.
http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers

Description
Students will learn about representing data in tables and in graphs. They will review the following vocabulary:
data, table, graph, bar graph, line graph, line plot, variable, dependent variable, independent variable, x-axis, yaxis, and x-y plot.
Students will then create their own table to organize data collected from the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker.
Each student will choose eight sharks and record name, gender, stage of life, length, and weight on their table.
The students will then represent the data graphically, interpret the graph(s), and make inferences based on their
findings.

Time
Students will have three class periods to complete their tables and graphs and present.

Procedure
1. Students will receive a handout with a table already on it where they can fill the information about their
sharks (name, gender, stage of life, length, and weight).
2. Students will then go to the OCEARCH website and collect their information.

3. Students will use the lengths or weights of their sharks to make line plots and interpret their findings by
writing a short summary.
4. Students will use the sharks gender or stage of life to make a bar graph and interpret their findings by
writing a short summary.
5. The students will then use the lengths and weights of their sharks to create a scatter plot. The weight on
the y-axis and the length on the x-axis. Then write a summary on the relationship between weight and
length.
6. Finally the students will present their findings to the class.

Assessment
1. The teacher will check for understanding by seeing that every student is on track in regards to obtaining
their data and plotting and graphing accurately.
2. The students will receive a vocabulary quiz on the words mentioned above and to answer questions
specific to their sharks and findings.

Use of Technology
The use of technology benefits this project because students see real world instances to where math applies to.
Without site like OCEARCH students would be left to do research on their own which can be very time
consuming. This site makes math fun and engaging for students.