CHAP Ter 1 Finding and Using Data We all like to share our own opinions with others Sometimes we are convinced that we are right But just stating an idea doesn’t mean it is true We need facts to convince others that we are right This is why using data to support an argument is so important Using accurate data makes your claims much stronger Data is information that is usually collected over time It most often consists of numbers such as measurements or amounts Data is collected every moment of every day in every part of your life Did your teacher take attendance today That’s data Did you check out a book today The library collected data about it Did you score well on your math test today That’s data too These are all examples of how numbers are collected and used to keep track of you at school 4 21st century skills library
Your teacher takes attendance to collect data about which students are in class each day The collection of credible data helps us make decisions At public schools attendance determines how much money the government will provide to the school Librarians look at statistics showing which books are popular to determine which types of books they should buy Once you start high school your grades become one of the things colleges will use to decide whether you are a good fit for their school There are two ways to find data You can collect it on your own or you can locate it from another source You can easily 5 55 Data Geek
