Reference Sheet

DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION CHEAT
CHEAT SHEET
SHEET
VOCAB Data Vocabulary

[Link] (Average): The mean, or average, of a group of numbers is found by adding them
together and then dividing the sum by how many numbers there are.
[Link]: The median is the middle value in a set of numbers when they are arranged in order.
If there are two middle numbers, you find their average.
[Link]: The mode is the number that appears most frequently in a list of numbers.
[Link]: The range is the difference between the largest and smallest numbers in a set,
showing how spread out the values are.
[Link]: Frequency is the count of how often something happens or how many times a
specific value appears in a set of data.
[Link] Data: Numerical data consists of measurable values or quantities, such as
numbers, and can be used for mathematical calculations.
[Link]: An outlier is a data point that differs significantly from the other values in a set,
possibly affecting the overall analysis.
[Link]: A graph is a visual representation of data, often using lines, bars, or other symbols to
show relationships, trends, or comparisons.
[Link]: Increase means to go up or get larger. In the context of data, it refers to a rise in
values or quantities.
[Link]: Decrease means to go down or become smaller. In the context of data, it
indicates a reduction in values or quantities.

GRAPHS Different Types of Graphs/Charts

Cheat
Sheet
 Name: Date: House:

DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION -- TRY
TRY IT
IT OUT
OUT
STEP 1 Choose Your Data Collection Topic
Choose a data set that you would like to collect over the course of three days. This could be the amount
of trash found, the number of clouds in the sky, the sighting of a specific species, or something similar.

STEP 2 Collect Data Over Time

Date Time Location Data Notes

STEP 3 Create a Creative Graph/Chart

Using your data chart, create a graph that clearly shows your findings.
Choose a graph type that makes sense for your data (line graph, bar graph, dot plot, etc.)
Draw your graph neatly on graph paper
Make sure your graph includes:
A clear title
Labeled axes (with units, if applicable)
An appropriate scale
All of your data accurately plotted
Add some creativity:
Use color to make your graph easier to read (not just decoration—use it with purpose)
Include a small visual or design element that connects to what you were observing
2.
 Name: Date: House:

STEP 4 Analyze Data

Write a well-developed paragraph (about 6–8 sentences) reflecting on your data and
graph. This is your chance to show your thinking, not just what you did.

Use the questions below to guide your response (you don’t have to answer them in
order, but make sure you hit all the ideas):

[Link] data did you collect, and what challenges (if any) did you run into while
collecting it?
[Link] does your graph show, and why do you think it looks the way it does?
[Link] patterns or trends did you notice (increase, decrease, consistency, etc.) over
time?
[Link] you have any outliers or unexpected results? If so, what might explain them? If
not, why do you think your data was so consistent?
[Link] do you see environmental conditions or human activities impacting your data?
[Link] could this type of data be useful in the real world?

Make sure you use at least 6 vocabulary terms from this lesson (mean, median, mode,
range, frequency, numerical data, outlier, graph, increase, decrease) correctly in your
explanation.

STEP 5 Grade Yourself

Infographic Questions: ___ / 5

3.