- Web Quality of Living Hunting: Group members define the amenities they want in the
city in which they live. They then review city government websites, quality of living
evaluations, weather reports, job availability and cost of housing to determine which
city would best meet the needs and wants of all the group members. Results are
reported to the rest of the class, including the compromises made.
Survey
Students are either given a survey topic or pose one of their own and determine ways to get
information (Question/answer, scale of agree to disagree, counting the number of occurrences of
something, measurement, etc.). Students gather the data, visualize it (pie charts, bar graphs, line
graphs, etc.), analyze and interpret results, and present findings to the class.
Suggested Survey Activities:
- National Weight Recommendations: The survey topic is "To what degree do members
of this class conform to national recommendations for weight in relation to
height?" Students weigh themselves and measure their height. They report this
anonymously to a record keeper. Different groups sort data and visualize it in comparison
to a national table. Students create pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs
and report on results and recommendations for weight management, as needed.
This kind of survey requires research which can be accomplished in class using the
Internet. Students can find the national height/weight by gender table on the Internet.
Student graphs and charts can be created on the computer and tips for weight management
can be found, printed, and shared with the class.
- Family Tree Survey: Individual students survey their family members for information
such as years living in the state, types of education, types of jobs, number of children,
length of marriages, etc. Actual survey questions should be determined by the survey group.
The data is then collected and reported through graphs or charts and a
short presentation to those taking part in the survey.
Treasure Hunt
Students read and follow "go to and find" or "go to and do" directives and receive points or
prizes or recognition for completion of tasks with correct answers or finished tasks. Treasure Hunts
are task-based, usually with only one correct answer, but the whole group is charged with finding
the answer.
Suggested Treasure Hunt Activity:
- Tax Forms: Students receive and review packets of State and Federal tax forms and
instructions and use these to locate answers for a list of questions or complete tasks
for directives. (What is an exemption? On what line do you sign your name? etc.)
Some of this research can be done on the Internet.
- Voter Registration: Students are charged with the task of getting all of their class
members (or school members) registered to vote. They must find out the procedure
for registering, administer that procedure at school, and report their results to the
class.