Tony Bartley (from Thunder Bay, Ontario) and Mike Bowen (from Halifax, Nova Scotia) discussed how to improve students’ data literacy. They reviewed types of data (nominal, ordinal, and integer/ratio) and the type of graph that would be appropriate for each.
Using simple materials such as marbles, paper cups, and a ruler, they engaged the participants in an activity that incorporated concepts such as data types, graphing, variables, line of fit, and interpreting data. By the end of our marble-rolling trials, we had the beginnings of a great bar graph.

They noted that “science is a probabilistic endeavor. It doesn’t make absolute deterministic statements; it makes statements of probability.” They also shared a booket they created on data literacy for students (and teachers).