Good Practice - How fit are you?

Key Stage:

Subject:

ICT

Key Skills

1 - Numeracy

National Curriculum Links:

1 - ICT AT1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2

2 - Sc AT1, 1.3, 2.3, 2.6

Objectives

1 - To collect information accurately

2 - To input data into the correct cells

3 - To create graphs to show results

Outline of activity

The pupils use the topic of respiration rate to collect pulse rates after exercising. The pupils will have some prior knowledge of what a spreadsheet is used for and so will understand the need to collect the data accurately to make it a fair test. The pupils will then, in pairs, exercise for one minute and take their pulse rates immediately when they stop and then every minute for five minutes. This data can then be inputted into a spreadsheet and turned into graphs for display. They will need to have the term 'cells' introduced if this hasn't already been covered. This gives the teacher could then show, using the whiteboard, how to turn the data into a graph.

Plenary

Discuss with the pupils the benefits or problems of using ICT in this context. Discuss the differences in creating graphs this way compared to a paper-based method and the need for accuracy.