Representations of Global Data

Common Core State Standards: 
Reason Abstractly
Use Appropriate Tools Strategically
Model with Mathematics
Instructional Strategies: 
Supporting Science
Modeling
Visual Representations

During early adolescence, many children develop an active interest in the world around them. Elementary curricula for 4th-6th grade students support this interest through studies of habitats and environments in science classes and world exploration and foreign cultures in social studies and English language arts courses. Teachers looking to make interdisciplinary and real-world connections that build on student curiosity about their place in the world may do so by connecting these topics to math concepts using illustrations of global comparisons.

Global infographics connect the mathematical concepts of data collection and analysis to global studies through visual representations of phenomenon across the planet, such as international democracy rankings or climate change impacts. The use of visual representations is an evidence-based instructional strategy that can make abstract mathematical concepts more concrete for struggling learners. 

Stat Silk (www.statsilk.com) is one of many free tools which provides examples of global infographics on a range of topics and allows users to design their own. Students (and teachers) will explore practical uses for math while learning about the world through new perspectives.   

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