This lesson was developed for a course entitled Integrated Math. This course consists of mostly 9th and 10th grade students who have had difficulty with learning mathematics in a traditional sequence.
This lesson teaches students how to understand and construct circle graphs, by utilizing databases to gather data and a spreadsheet to calculate the number of degrees to plot on the circle graph. The students will then construct circle graphs from their data using a circle and a protractor.
At the end, the students will develop a circle graph (pie chart) from their spreadsheet and compare it to their own circle graphs.
This lesson is designed for an Integrated Math Class for 9th and 10th grade students who have had difficulty with learning mathematics in a traditional sequence. The course combines Algebra, Geometry, and "Real World" math, such as business applications. There are about 10-12 students in this class. This lesson could also be used in a middle school for 6th, 7th, or 8th graders. No prior knowledge is necessary for this lesson.
This lesson should take 5 class periods (one period per day). The students will work in pairs, chosen by the students. A teacher would need to know how to use a database and a spreadsheet.
Day 1: The class will start with a discussion on the purposes of circle graphs and the need for data to construct circle graphs. The class will then talk about different ways of obtaining data. At this point, each student will be given a worksheet to write down the names of every member of their family and the hair color of each family member. They will then walk around the room and copy down the information from each of their classmates. The teacher will walk around the room monitoring the studentsí progress. At the end of the class, the students will put their sheet of data into their notebooks to be used in tomorrowís class.
Day 2: Each pair of students will sit at a computer and enter the data on hair colors into the database. The field names should be Last Name, First Name, and Hair Color. They will then sort the data according to hair color. For example, they will sort all students that have blonde hair. They can, now, count how many blonde haired people are on the list. This will be repeated for all of the other hair colors. They will then print out their whole database as well as each individual hair color report. Worksheet
Day 3: Each pair of students will sit at a computer and construct a spreadsheet with the following headings: Hair Color, Number of People, Percent of People of each Hair Color, and Number of Degrees for Circle Graph. The following formulas will need to be entered: At the bottom of the Number of People column, a box will need to be designated for the Total Number of People (The sum of the above column). Under Percent of People with each Hair Color, a formula (for example: Number of People/total Number of People) needs to be used. The last formula will be under the Number of Degrees Column. It will consist of the percentage of people (the last column) multiplied by 360. When the spreadsheet is completed, the students will print out their spreadsheet. Worksheet
Day 4: Using a worksheet, the students will draw a line segment from the center of the circle to the edge of the circle. From there, using a protractor, they will work their way around the circle measuring angles that represent the different colors of hair. When they are done, they should have a completed circle graph. The teacher will be circulating around the room observing and assisting, when necessary.
Day 5: Each pair of students will sit at a computer and use their previously developed spreadsheet on hair colors, to construct a circle graph (pie chart). When the circle graph is completed, the students will compare it to the circle graph that they constructed using a protractor. They will, then, print out their spreadsheet with the circle graph. Each pair of students will sit at a computer and use their previously developed spreadsheet on hair colors, to construct a circle graph (pie chart). When the circle graph is completed, the students will compare it to the circle graph that they constructed using a protractor. They will, then, print out their spreadsheet with the circle graph. Worksheet
This lesson could be used with either an overhead computer or with paper and pencil (if a computer lab is not available). If an overhead computer were used, the students would help the teacher construct the database and spreadsheet. If no computer is available, the students could use calculators to figure out the information on the spreadsheet.
This lesson could be done with one teacher, but it would be helpful to have another teacher in the room to help with the computer applications.
Students will be evaluated on 5 pieces of criteria.
Possible Circle Graph Rubrics:
This lesson is a good introduction to circle graphs. It teaches students how circle graphs are used and how to use technology to analyze data, make calculations, and construct visual representations.
Source for the Circle Graph Picture:
Geography 304 - Principles of Cartography
Sources for the Possible Rubrics:
Scoring Rubric for Circle Graph
A Rubric for Evaluating Circle Graphs