Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand how to create and interpret box plots (box-whisker plots) using data visualization software. They will also learn about the contributions of Mary Eleanor Spear and John Tukey to data analysis and how citizen science projects, like bee pollen count, can provide valuable data for studying pollinators.

Materials and Prep

• Access to a computer with internet for Desmos
• Notebook and writing materials for notes
• Data set on bee pollen counts (can be simulated or real data from citizen science projects)
• Basic knowledge of statistics (mean, median, mode)

Activities

• Introduction to Box Plots:

  Start by explaining what a box plot is and how it represents data. Use a simple dataset to demonstrate how to create a box plot step-by-step using Desmos.

• Bee Pollen Count Exploration:

  Engage the student in a citizen science project by collecting data on local bee pollen counts. They can use online resources to find existing data or simulate their own data collection.

• Research Project on Mary Eleanor Spear and John Tukey:

  Assign a mini-research project where the student will learn about the lives and contributions of Mary Eleanor Spear and John Tukey in the field of statistics. They can create a short biography or presentation.

• Creating Box Plots with Real Data:

  Using the data collected or simulated, guide the student in creating their own box plot using Desmos. Encourage them to analyze the data and interpret the results.

Talking Points

• "A box plot visually summarizes data through its five-number summary: minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile, and maximum."
• "Citizen science projects, like tracking bee pollen counts, allow everyday people to contribute to scientific research, showcasing the importance of community involvement."
• "Mary Eleanor Spear was instrumental in advancing statistical methods, particularly in the field of ecology, which helps us understand the environment better."
• "John Tukey introduced the box plot as a way to visualize data distribution, making it easier for researchers to interpret complex data sets."
• "Using software like Desmos enhances our ability to visualize data, making statistics more accessible and engaging."