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lenny

What's the Evidence?

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kmyers

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Evidence Exploration Guide

Students will be able to identify various sources of data and understand how evidence is used to make decisions about learning, empowering them to interpret their own results.

Understanding how data and evidence are used helps students take ownership of their learning journey and advocate for their needs.

Audience

4th Grade Class

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Engage, Explore, Interpret, Reflect.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers/Pens, Chart paper or large sticky notes, Sources of Success Slide Deck, Case Studies in Data Reading, Evidence Sorting Challenge Activity, and Ticket to Interpret Cool-Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

20 minutes

  • Review all generated materials (Sources of Success Slide Deck, Case Studies in Data Reading, Evidence Sorting Challenge Activity, Ticket to Interpret Cool-Down).
    - Print enough copies of the Case Studies in Data Reading for each student or small group.
    - Prepare materials for the Evidence Sorting Challenge Activity (e.g., print and cut out data cards/scenarios).
    - Ensure projector or whiteboard is ready for displaying the Sources of Success Slide Deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Evidence?

5 minutes

Begin by asking students: "When you hear the word 'evidence,' what comes to mind? Where do you see evidence in real life?" Allow for a quick share-out of ideas.

Step 2

Introduction to Data & Evidence

10 minutes

Present the Sources of Success Slide Deck to introduce the concept of data and evidence in the context of learning. Emphasize how we collect information to help us understand and improve.

Step 3

Case Studies Exploration

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups. Distribute the Case Studies in Data Reading. Instruct groups to read through the case studies and discuss: "What data was collected in each case? What decisions were made based on that data?"

Step 4

Evidence Sorting Challenge

15 minutes

Engage students in the Evidence Sorting Challenge Activity. This activity will help them practice identifying different types of data and matching them to observations or learning goals.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Ticket to Interpret

5 minutes

Distribute the Ticket to Interpret Cool-Down. Students will reflect on what they learned about interpreting data and evidence. Collect these as an exit ticket.

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Slide Deck

What's the Evidence?

Why do we collect information?
How does it help us learn?

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of evidence! Ask them to think about what 'evidence' means in their own lives. Transition into how we use evidence to learn and grow.

What is Data?

Data is information we collect.

Examples:

  • Test scores
  • Number of books read
  • How many times you raise your hand

Define 'data' in simple terms – any information we collect. Give examples relevant to 4th graders, like test scores, homework completion, or how many books they read. Emphasize that data helps us understand things.

Evidence: The Story Data Tells

Evidence is data that helps us understand or prove something.

It helps us make smart decisions about our learning!

Explain that 'evidence' is data that helps us prove something or make a decision. Connect it to real-life examples like a detective finding clues (evidence) to solve a mystery.

Why Does Evidence Matter for YOU?

Teachers use evidence to:

  • Know what you've learned
  • Figure out what you need help with
  • Plan awesome lessons

You can use evidence to:

  • See your progress
  • Set new goals
  • Ask for help when you need it

Discuss how teachers use evidence to help students, and how students can use it to help themselves. For example, if a student struggles with a concept, the teacher uses quiz data (evidence) to plan extra support.

Ready to Be Data Detectives?

Today, we'll explore different types of evidence.

We'll learn how to read the 'clues' that help us understand our learning journey!

Briefly introduce the upcoming activity and reading, explaining that they will explore real-world examples of data and evidence. Encourage curiosity.

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Reading

Case Studies in Data: What Do the Clues Tell Us?

Sometimes, to understand how we are learning, we need to look for clues! These clues are called data. When we put the data together, it becomes evidence that helps us make smart decisions. Read these short stories and think about the clues.

Case Study 1: Maya's Math Progress

Maya loves math, but sometimes she struggles with multiplication facts. Her teacher, Mr. Chen, wants to help her. He decides to collect some data.

  • Data Collected:
    • Every Friday, Maya takes a 2-minute timed quiz on multiplication facts. Here are her scores:
      • Week 1: 15 correct answers
      • Week 2: 18 correct answers
      • Week 3: 22 correct answers
      • Week 4: 25 correct answers
    • Mr. Chen also notices that Maya asks questions during group work more often than she used to.

What do these clues (data) tell us about Maya?





What decision might Mr. Chen make based on this evidence?





Case Study 2: Leo's Reading Adventures

Leo is a great reader, but his teacher, Ms. Davis, wants to make sure he's reading books that are just right for him. She asks Leo to keep track of his reading.

  • Data Collected:
    • Leo keeps a reading log:
      • Monday: Read "The Magical Treehouse" for 20 minutes (Fiction, 5th-grade level)
      • Tuesday: Read "Animal Habitats" for 25 minutes (Non-fiction, 4th-grade level)
      • Wednesday: Read "The Mystery of the Missing Ball" for 30 minutes (Fiction, 3rd-grade level)
    • Ms. Davis observes that Leo finishes his books quickly but sometimes struggles to answer questions about the "5th-grade level" books.

What do these clues (data) tell us about Leo?





What decision might Ms. Davis make based on this evidence?





Case Study 3: The Class's Teamwork

Mrs. Lee wants her 4th-grade class to work better together in groups. She observes how students interact during group projects.

  • Data Collected:
    • Observation notes:
      • During a science project, Group A (Sarah, Tom, Ben) divided tasks well, everyone shared ideas.
      • During a history project, Group B (Mia, David, Chloe) had Mia doing most of the talking, and David seemed disengaged.
      • A student survey showed that 80% of students felt they listened to their teammates, but only 60% felt their teammates listened to them.
    • Project grades: Group A received an 'A' for collaboration, Group B received a 'C'.

What do these clues (data) tell us about the class's teamwork?





What decision might Mrs. Lee make based on this evidence?





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Activity

Evidence Sorting Challenge: Match the Clues!

Objective: To practice identifying different types of data and understanding what conclusions can be drawn from them.

Instructions for Students:

Your teacher will give you a set of "Data Cards" and "Conclusion Cards" (or display them on the board). Your challenge is to work with your group to match each piece of data with the conclusion it supports.

How to Play:

  1. Read each Data Card carefully. What information does it give you?
  2. Read each Conclusion Card. What idea or decision does it suggest?
  3. Discuss with your group: Which Data Card provides strong evidence for which Conclusion Card? Why?
  4. Work together to make all the matches!

Data Cards (Examples - Teacher will provide actual cards)

  • Data Card 1: "Sarah answered 8 out of 10 comprehension questions correctly on her last reading quiz."
  • Data Card 2: "During recess, Mark often plays alone and rarely joins group games."
  • Data Card 3: "The class's spelling test average went up from 75% to 88% after practicing new spelling strategies."
  • Data Card 4: "David completes his math homework only about half the time."

Conclusion Cards (Examples - Teacher will provide actual cards)

  • Conclusion Card A: "The new spelling strategies are helping the class improve."
  • Conclusion Card B: "Sarah understands most of what she reads."
  • Conclusion Card C: "Mark might need some help making friends or joining activities."
  • Conclusion Card D: "David needs more support with his homework routine."

Group Discussion Questions:

  • Was it easy or hard to make the matches? Why?
  • Can one piece of data lead to more than one conclusion?
  • Why is it important to look at all the evidence before making a decision?
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Cool Down

Ticket to Interpret: Your Exit Pass!

Name: ____________________________

Before you leave, please answer the following questions to show what you've learned about evidence and data.

  1. In your own words, what is evidence?






  2. Give one example of data that a teacher might collect to help a student.

    (Hint: Think about Maya, Leo, or the Class Teamwork from our readings!)






  3. Why is it important for you to understand what evidence says about your learning?






Thank you for being a data detective today!

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