Data for answers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify the data needed to answer questions.
Key learning points
- To answer a question effectively, it’s important to first identify what kind of data is needed.
- Good questions for data logging are ones that involve change over time or measurable patterns.
- Effective data collection requires planning.
- You should consider what sensor to use, how often will data be recorded and where will the logger be placed.
Keywords
Data logger - a device that records data from the physical environment
Collection - the act of gathering something e.g. data
Common misconception
If you gather data for a minute or two to check that the data collected looks ok, your experiment will be successful.
There might be other factors that affect your experiment, which are out of your control. For example, someone could unplug your data logger, the batteries might run out or the data may be corrupt due to an issue with the hardware or software.
Teacher tip
Ask pupils to consider what data may have impacted their lives. Being able to understand how technology impacts our lives is an important concept for developing an understanding of the societial consequences of the use of technology.
Equipment
Pupils need access to data logging hardware and software.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do computers help when you have lots of information to look at?
Q2.Which of these is a way to show information clearly?
Q3.What does it mean to sort data?
Q4.Which of these is a summary view of data?
Q5.Put these steps in the correct order for planning and carrying out a data logging investigation:
Q6.Match each keyword to its correct definition:
to look at information in detail to understand it better
a collection of related information
copying data from another program
saving data in a format for use in another program
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why is it important to plan before collecting data with a data logger?
Q2.What should you do before starting your data logging experiment?
Q3.Which of these is an example of a good data logging question?
Q4.What is measured by a sensor to find out how bright or dark a place is?
Q5.Match the planning step to its purpose:
decide what you want to find out
pick the right tool for the job
decide how often to record data
choose the best location
Q6.Which of these is a mistake when collecting data for an experiment using a data logger?
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Data for answers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Data for answers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Data logging unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.