Statistical Investigation
Rangahau Tauanga β’ Using Data to Answer Questions
Duration
6-8 weeks
Year Level
Year 8 (Level 4)
Subject
Mathematics & Statistics
Focus
PPDAC Cycle
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata."
What is the greatest thing in the world? It is people, people, people.
Statistics help us understand people β their needs, experiences, and stories told through data.
π Unit Overview
In this unit, students will learn to conduct their own statistical investigations using the PPDAC cycle. They will pose questions, plan data collection, gather and analyze data, and communicate findings β all grounded in contexts relevant to Aotearoa and their own lives.
Learning Outcomes
- Pose investigative questions that can be answered with data
- Plan and conduct data collection (surveys, experiments, existing data)
- Organize data using tables, graphs, and digital tools
- Analyze data using measures of center (mean, median, mode) and spread
- Draw conclusions and communicate findings clearly
- Consider ethical aspects of data collection and use
π The PPDAC Cycle
Statistical investigation follows a cycle:
Problem
Pose a question
Plan
Design the investigation
Data
Collect information
Analysis
Explore patterns
Conclusion
Answer the question
π Lessons
1 What is Statistics?
Introduction to statistics and its role in everyday life. Exploring data in Aotearoa contexts.
π― Focus: Understanding why data matters
2 Posing Good Questions
Learning to ask investigative questions that can be answered with data.
π― Focus: Problem phase of PPDAC
3 Planning Data Collection
Survey design, sampling methods, and ethical considerations.
π― Focus: Plan phase of PPDAC
4 Collecting Data
Conducting surveys, gathering existing data, recording accurately.
π― Focus: Data phase of PPDAC
5 Organizing Data
Tables, tally charts, and using spreadsheets to organize data.
π― Focus: Preparing for analysis
6 Displaying Data
Bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs β choosing the right display.
π― Focus: Visual representation
7 Measures of Center
Mean, median, and mode β what they tell us about data.
π― Focus: Analysis phase
8 Drawing Conclusions
Interpreting results and answering the original question.
π― Focus: Conclusion phase
9 Presenting Findings
Communicating statistical findings clearly and effectively.
π― Focus: Communication skills
10 Investigation Project
Complete independent investigation using the full PPDAC cycle.
π― Focus: Summative assessment
π³πΏ Aotearoa Context Ideas
Investigation topics connected to Aotearoa:
- π± Screen time and wellbeing among NZ youth
- π Housing costs across different regions
- π¦ Native bird populations and conservation
- π Beach clean-up data β types of rubbish collected
- π School travel methods and sustainability
- π Sports participation rates by gender
- πΏ Te reo MΔori usage in homes
- π Stats NZ data about our communities
π Unit Resources
π Curriculum Alignment
NZ Curriculum Level 4 β Statistics
- Plan and conduct investigations using the statistical enquiry cycle
- Determine appropriate variables and data collection methods
- Gather, sort, and display multivariate category and whole number data
- Identify patterns and trends in context, communicating findings clearly
Key Competencies: Thinking, Using Language Symbols and Texts, Participating and Contributing
π Unit Resources
Downloadable handouts, worksheets, and materials for this unit.