5 kids with technology on grassy lawn
Grade 3

Data Nuggets

Knowledge Constructor
charting

Overview​

Data Nuggets have FREE classroom activities that bring research and authentic data into the classroom. Each “nugget” contains “messy data” at different levels.  The student follows the scientific process as they go through the nugget of research. The nugget includes information about the scientist. Students can also create their own nuggets.

Students will:

  • Be able to follow the scientific process and complete provided activities and data graphs.  

Vocabulary Words:

  • Nugget: A nugget is a small lump.
  • Data: Data is facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
  • Graph: A graph is a diagram showing the relation between variable quantities, typically of two variables, each measured along one of a pair of axes.

To prepare for this lesson:

  • Review the Teacher’s Guide in the website Data Nuggets
  • Review the Nuggets to select one that is at the level needed.
  • Include a link in the Data Management System.
  • Introduce students to Data Nuggets.
  • Provide students with the necessary materials.
  • There is an option to print a Data Nugget.
  • Create student partnerships.
  • Watch the video What is Data?
  • Watch the Khan Academy video for Creating a Bar Graph. 

Note: Data Nuggets are also available in Spanish.

See Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students.net site in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

  1. Students log into the Data Nuggets selected topic.
  2. Read the information on the science background research..
  3. Complete the activities that are provided within the activity.
  4. Have the students watch the videos. 
    1. What is Data?
    2. Khan Academy Creating a Bar Graph

Different options for assessing the students:

  • Observations
  • Check for understanding
  • Students create graphs.
  • Provide students a rubric.

MITECS: Michigan adopted the "ISTE Standards for Students" called MITECS (Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students) in 2018.

Knowledge Constructor
3a. Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.
3b. Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources.
3c. Students curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.
3d. Students build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.

Device: PC, Chromebook, Mac, iPad

Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, ALL

Apps. Extensions, Add-ons

Websites:
Data Nuggets

Khan Academy Creating a Bar Graph Video

What is Data? Video

CONTENT AREA RESOURCES

Have the students write a research report on the selected nugget.

Make large posters of graphs from the nugget.

Students learn graphing skills. 

Create a classroom nugget to be investigated.

Map the location of the nugget information.

Report a bad link, inappropriate content or out-of-date content. 

Credits
This task card was created by Julie Hoehing, Lake Shore Public Schools, February 2020. 


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