Instructions

Biweekly Data Log Activity

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Purpose of the Lesson

To develop students’ skills in data logging and team collaboration. Students will be able to log wheat growth progress.  

Lesson Activity

Time 0-5 min:

Instructions

• Have students form into Variety groups (four wheat varieties for 2022 school year)

• Pass out magnifying glasses, rulers, and data log sheet (each students gets a sheet, rulers/glasses can be shared)

• Have them review the categories and instruct them to log this data independently 

• Head out to the plot and allow each group to go to their respective Variety area (ex: only students in the “Durum” group will collect data in the Durum section of the plot)

Time 5-15 min:

Student Groups & Data Logging

• Students use their rulers to obtain plant height (determine whether all students measure in inches or centimeters; the wheat will grow up to 2-3 feet near harvest time)

• Magnifying glasses can be use for the “other observation” category 

• Other category data can be collected through visual observation 

• Ensure that students are not crushing the plants or stepping on them. Utilize the alleyways. 

Time 15-25 min:

Average Data Determination

• Students return to the classroom 

• In their respective variety groups, the students will determine the average figures of their data (review steps of how to find average numbers)

  • • Ex: each student reports the height of the wheat they got, add all the heights together, and divide by the number of group members. 

• They can log this data in their Group sheet 

Time 25-30 min:

Class Progress

• On a classroom poster (example, create on a large tear sheet), have a volunteer from each group write their average data

• Students can review data from other variety groups

Materials Needed

• Data Logging Sheet 

  • • Wheat Data.pdf or Wheat Data Spanish.pdf (one per student)

    • Group Sheet for Average Wheat Data.pdf (one per group)

• Writing Instrument

• Rulers

• Magnifying Glass

• Calculator

• Markers

• Class Poster

Teacher Preparations

Determine student group assignments, make class poster

Other Tips

• Collect data sheets at the end of activity to avoid misplacements

• Class poster can be tacked onto an appropriate wall for long term placement or brought out biweekly

• If available, pass out clipboards for student use

• Print out two data sheets for each student

Printable Version: