Students can conduct a similar investigation to compare specific brands of one type of potato chip or tortilla chip, using qualitative or quantitative criteria. Students can graph calorie content, total fat, and so on, for each type of chip, using a spreadsheet as part of their presentations. Students can do research from consumer guides or on the Internet to evaluate other foods that they like. Students can use the information that they have gathered to write an advertisement for the best product. This investigation engages students in an approach to problem solving that includes aspects of market research.
Students learn the difference between qualitative and quantitative values.
Through cooperative learning and communication, students support their conclusions with quantitative data and begin to understand how to evaluate qualitative data. Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. She is especially interested in designing real-life activities for children. Children Mathematics is the property of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.