The more I've thought about this lesson starting with the pizza pics and then the M&M sampling, the more I'm thinking this is a lesson that helps lay a good foundation for students doing their own surveys. I'm thinking of so many of the "science fair" projects I've seen over the years that didn't really show an understanding of good sampling protocol. The flip side of this initial discussion of sampling design sometimes gets rushed by teachers of other mentors when project deadlines are already causing pressure. This lesson will be hard to forget, and should get them thinking about the right questions to ask at the beginning of such projects.
Sat, 05/11/2013 - 11:17
Dan,
You bring up an excellent point. This lesson forces students to realize some of the cold, hard facts about sampling and sampling design. Students really seemed to understand that a single sample is a very limited measuring tool when trying to learn about the collective whole at the conclusion of both the pizza and m&m activities and were able to apply the concept "more samples = closer to the actual picture" when it applied in future lessons. I absolutely agree with you that this lesson is a great way to teach a fundamental science skill/concept.
Sun, 05/19/2013 - 11:23
Dan, you bring up some great suggestions and comments about sampling and sampling design. For my 7th and 8th grade students, I think this activity opened their eyes to bias in science and the importance of replication. I also agree with Bob that this activity helps students realize the importance of more samples. My students were frustrated because they had to do samples over and over again instead of being curious. Any suggestions for making sampling "fun" instead of tedious work?
Tue, 05/07/2013 - 19:11
So much to teach and still keep interest high with engaging lessons. I often feel we need to be the tide that goes back and forth many times and less like the coastal current. I have enjoyed teaching the pedagogy again and have forgotten to address in recent classes as thoroughly or often.