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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a data set to investigate predictions and evaluate findings to support a for or against argument.

      Key learning points

      1. Advances in technology have made it easier to collect, store and analyse data on a much larger scale.
      2. Predictions can be tested and investigated using large sets of data and visualisation tools.
      3. Data and data visualisations can be used to support an argument.

      Keywords

      • Data - facts and figures in their raw form

      • Prediction - a guess on what you think the outcome may be

      • Criteria - a factor on which you judge or decide something

      Common misconception

      Data is not important when presenting findings to support an argument.

      Data makes your point stronger by showing real evidence.

      Teacher tip

      To help with the demonstration of GapMinder, this video may be useful to watch prior to the lesson: https://oak.link/gm-help.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device that can access the website GapMinder for activities in this lesson https://oak.link/world-data

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the main goal of data science?

      creating websites
      learning programming languages
      designing computer hardware
      Correct answer: extracting meaning from large data sets

      Q2.
      Which of the following is an example of a data visualisation?

      spreadsheet formula
      Correct answer: bar chart
      text document
      audio recording

      Q3.
      What is the term for a picture-based summary of data that tells a story?

      Correct Answer: infographic

      Q4.
      Order the following from collecting data to gaining insight:

      1 - collect data
      2 - analyse the data
      3 - visualise the data
      4 - gain insight

      Q5.
      Which of these is NOT a type of data visualisation?

      line graph
      pie chart
      infographic
      Correct answer: recipe

      Q6.
      What is the purpose of using online tools for data visualisation?

      to hide data
      to make data more confusing
      Correct answer: to present data clearly and visually
      to delete data

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each keyword to its definition:

      Correct Answer:data,numbers or text that, on their own, have no meaning

      numbers or text that, on their own, have no meaning

      Correct Answer:prediction,a guess about what you think the outcome may be

      a guess about what you think the outcome may be

      Correct Answer:criteria,a factor on which you judge or decide something

      a factor on which you judge or decide something

      Correct Answer:data visualisation,a visual way to represent information

      a visual way to represent information

      Q2.
      Place these actions in the correct order for investigating a prediction:

      1 - make a prediction
      2 - collect data
      3 - analyse data
      4 - draw a conclusion

      Q3.
      Which of the following is NOT a reason to use large data sets?

      Correct answer: to make wild guesses
      to test predictions
      to support arguments
      to investigate patterns

      Q4.
      What is the main purpose of using data visualisations when presenting findings?

      to hide information
      Correct answer: to help people see patterns and trends
      to show off artistic skills
      to make data harder to understand

      Q5.
      Match each use of data with its purpose:

      Correct Answer:testing a prediction,checking if an idea is correct

      checking if an idea is correct

      Correct Answer:supporting an argument,giving evidence for your point of view

      giving evidence for your point of view

      Correct Answer:setting criteria,deciding what is important to measure

      deciding what is important to measure

      Correct Answer:analysing a large data set,understanding patterns and trends

      understanding patterns and trends

      Q6.
      Why has it become easier to analyse large sets of data in recent years?

      Fewer people are interested in data.
      Correct answer: There have been advances in technology.
      Data is less important.
      There is less data available.

      To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Global data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...