Interpreting and Using Data
In 9th Grade Earth Science Class
Review and Results
Deborah Spencer
Morristown High School
FDU CS Hub
June 2022
Deborah Spencer�6-12 teacher, Morristown High School, Morristown, NJ�
Deborah Spencer is a teacher of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy with the Morris School District at Morristown High School, Morristown, NJ.
To this role, she brings extensive teaching experience in the areas of science and special education at the middle and high school levels. Prior to her teaching career, Deborah served as an mechanical project engineer on numerous aerospace and avionic projects, performing design, analysis and manufacturing functions.
Her education includes a Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute, a BSME from Union College, Schenectady, NY and Teacher Certification from Bloomfield College. She holds New Jersey certifications in Science, Physics, Mathematics and Technology, all K-12.
Introduction-Overview
In this series of lessons, students will focus on interpreting and manipulating data.
This is an introduction to data analysis using computer tools to create graphs.
Prior knowledge of graphing will be accessed
Based on plan presented in February 2022, Lesson Plan for CS
Earth and Space Science
Activities- Source
The activities are from Concord.org, free Module on Assessing Volcanic Hazards and Risk with Code Module
Students examine data from tephra(particulate) expelled from a volcano in Nicaragua
Students study the human risks and predict from data to save lives
Ideal tie in with Earth and Space curriculum
Concord.org-Standards
Predict from
Evidence
Use
Computational models
Concord.org
Concord.org- Sample Lesson
Activities-Advantages
All activities are Scratch based and run in Chrome browsers (Chromebooks or PC’s)
The location was ideal for many of my students have family originating from Central America- Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Students may work through modules at their own pace(self- paced instruction)
Numerous scaffolding to support students and teachers of all levels of coding experience. Basics are emphasized
Activities-Drawbacks
Students with limited experience were unable to proceed independently or in small peer groups. Required teacher led instruction.
Some students got bogged down in the minutiae of programming and missed the big picture- data analysis
Some students were disinterested because “There are no volcanoes in NJ!”
Strong misgivings from co-teachers with no coding experience.
Key Takeaways