Earth Science

8. DATA MATCH

Description

Design and

Administration

General

Implementation

Attributes

Data Match provides students with
a data set from a familiar
investigation and several
statements about the data.
Students use evidence from the
data to determine which
statements are accurate. Research
shows that some students tend to
“look for or accept evidence that is
consistent with their prior beliefs
and either distort or fail to
generate evidence that is
inconsistent with those beliefs”
(American Association for the
Advancement of Science [AAAS],
1993, p.332). Data Match helps
teachers determine whether
students rely on evidence derived
from data collected from an
investigation or whether they
make inferences and form
interpretations based on their own
beliefs.

Quantitative or qualitative

data can be used with this

FACT, depending on the

developmental level of the

students. Using data

students have collected

themselves makes the task

more meaningful. Students

should record their own

ideas before engaging in

small group and/or whole-

class discussion about the

data statements. Figure 4.8

is an example of a Data

Match developed from

elementary student-collected

data on the effect of

different surfaces on the

melting time of an ice cube.

Ease of Use:

Low

Cognitive Demand:

Medium

Time Demand:

Medium