Area 2-Graphing Regions Lesson 2
1-4 Days (dependant on technology available)

Michigan Curriculum Framework Standards and Benchmarks for Mathematics
I. Patterns:   Relationships and Functions
Content Standard 1: Students recognize similarities and generalize patterns, use patterns to
create models and make predictions, describe the nature of patterns and relationships, and
construct representations of mathematical relationships. (Patterns)
Benchmark 2:  Represent and record patterns and relationships in a variety of ways including tables, charts and pictures.
Benchmark 3: Use patterns to describe real world phenomena.
III. Data Analysis and Statistics
Content Standard 1: Students collect and explore data, organize data into a useful form, and develop skill in representing and reading data displayed in different formats. (Collection, Organization and Presentation of Data)
Benchmark 1:  Collect and explore data through counting, measuring and conducting surveys and experiments.
Benchmark 2:  Organize data using concrete objects, pictures, tallies, tables, charts, diagrams and graphs.
Benchmark 3:  Present data using a variety of appropriate representations and explain the meaning of the data.
Benchmark 4:  Identify what data are needed to answer a particular question or solve a given problem, and design and implement strategies to obtain, organize and present those data.

National Education Standards for Mathematics
NM-PROB.CONN.PK-12.3: Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics.
NM-PROB.REP.PK-12.1: Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas.
NM-PROB.REP.PK-12.2: Select, apply, and translate among mathematical representations to solve problems.
NM-PROB.REP.PK-12.3: Use representations to model and interpret physical, social, and mathematical phenomena.
NM-PROB.REA.PK-12.2: Make and investigate mathematical conjectures.
NM-PROB.REA.PK-12.3: Develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs.
NM-PROB.REA.PK-12.4: Select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof.
NM-PROB.PK-12.2: Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts.
NM-DATA.3-5.1: Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer

National Educational Technology Standards for Students Grades 3-5
Content Standard 1:  Basic operations and concepts
Benchmark 1:  Use keyboards and other common input and output devices efficiently and effectively.
Content Standart 2:  Social, ethical, and human issues
Benchmark 3:  Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use.
Content Standard 3:  Technology productivity tools
Benchmark 5:  Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
Content Standard 4:  Technology communications tools
Benchmark 5:  Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
Benchmark 6:  Use telecommunications efficiently and effectively to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests.
Content Standard 5:  Technology research tools
Benchmark 7:  Use telecommunications and online resources to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
Content Standard 6:  Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
Benchmark 8:  Use technology resources for problem solving, self directed learning and extended learning activities.
Benchmark 9:  Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.
Benchmark 10:  Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources.

Objectives
Click here to see the Michigan Curriculum Framework matched to The Graph Club 2.0
Students will be able to:
         Correctly identify where their inventor is from on the map of U.S. regions.
         Correctly graph map of U.S. regions using Graph Club 2.0
         Create at least 2 graphs using Graph Club 2.0
         Note what stands out from looking at the graph of the information

Materials and Technology
Paper & pencils
Large map of the United States divided into regions
Push pins or tacks
Small strips of paper
Yarn
Graph Club 2.0

Procedure
Before the computer lab
Ask students to share information about their inventor.  Be sure to note where the person is from.  As each student shares information, place a tack with a label of the person and location on the map.  After all students have been placed on the map, discuss what patterns are on the map.  (Where are most people from?  Does every region have an inventor?) Ask students if there are different ways of showing the information.  We could write a paragraph or we could make a graph.  Tell students that we are going to represent this information on a chart and a graph.  Together, make a T-chart of the information.  One side should be the regions of the United States.  The other side should be the number of people from that region.  After creating the table, tell students that they will be creating graphs of the same information using the Graph Club 2.0 Software.   Introduce the computer software by showing the class the tutorial.

At the computer lab
Allow each student to play the Graph Club 2.0  matching game.  After the matching game, students will graph the number of inventors in each of the different regions of the United States using the Graph Club 2.0 software.  After making the graphs, have students analyze the data.  Students should identify what surprises them on the graph and what they thought would have been different.  Students should write at least 3 complete sentences.  Print color copies of the graphs.

Assessment
The final printed graph will be assessed.  Look for complete sentences, more than one graph, correct observations of the graph results, and correct numbers graphed.