3DM - Let's Get Started on this Summer Olympics Project
Welcome to this 3DM Expansion Pack project! In these projects, you will first try them on your own, and then watch the demonstration. That way you can get better at figuring out how to use your data analysis skills independently.
Below you will find:
- Project Introduction
- Project Demonstration
- Project Template
- Project Answer Key
In each section you will find:
- Learner Notes containing written information for learners to orient themselves in the learning journey before each video is shown.
- Teacher Notes containing written information for teachers and parents to aid in facilitating a class and supporting students.
Important: Please note that Dan recommends you read the Learner Notes and watch the introduction video before attempting the project. After you have tried their best on the project, watch the demonstration and check your answers against the Project Answer Key.
Are you ready to start learning? Let’s go!
Please go to “File > Make a Copy” in Google Sheets after opening this project since this is a non-editable version. You can come back and make a new copy at any time they want to start the project again.
Google Sheet Project File for Class – Click Here
Introduction to Class
The goal of these Expansion Packs is to get students doing data analyses on their own. That is the best way for them to own the skills so that they can take them out into the world and use them to solve the problems that they want to solve.
With that in mind, an approach as they are making that transition is to answer questions from them only after they have 1) Tried on their own, 2) Watched the demo. You’ll know who may need more support.
The challenges are difficult, so I’ve made those optional in the past in my classes. Encourage students to give them a try and then do the challenges after the demonstration following the steps shown. That way they continue learning new skills.
It is highly encouraged for facilitators or teachers to do these alongside the students so that they are able to answer questions, and so they gain these skills as well. If something remains unclear following the demo, please let us know!
Learner Notes
In this project we will be analyzing the medal counts for countries that have participated in the Summer Olympics from 1896 until 2020. The data set contains each country and their medal counts (gold, silver, bronze, and total).
In 3DM Level 1, first you watched a demonstration, and then you did the problem set. In the Expansion Packs, you will try to do the problem set and then watch my demonstration. This way, you are getting practice figuring out how to solve the problems independently.
This transition can be challenging, so do your best. Once you’ve gotten as far as you can on your own, then watch the demonstration.
As always, you’re encouraged to go beyond the project if there are questions you have that can be answered by the dataset or doing additional research.
Demonstration
The intention is that students watch this demonstration only after they’ve completed the problems that they are able to do on their own. Then they can correct any that they get incorrect, and complete any problems that they were unable to do by following the steps in the demonstration.
An option if students follow the steps in the demonstration for all of the problems is to let them and encourage them to try some more problems on the next one. That may be where they are at in their learning journey and what’s most important is that they continue practicing the skills by completing the projects!
Learner Notes
Now that you’ve given the project your best shot, check your answers against the answer key and watch the demo. In the demo, you can see how to do the ones you weren’t sure about and see how someone with experience doing data analysis might approach the problems.
Project Links
Learner Notes
Below you will find the original blank project template as well as an answer key for your convenience.
Summer Olympics Project Template:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VY7fzadveuJCGqAWrxL2uYrVcdp6XZjSKkFfy47H5KU/edit?usp=sharing
Summer Olympics Project Answer Key:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mn_O9D0Ffd0BjxTbY2sPpjnoC6DihGmCeKOaPjnWw4o/edit?usp=sharing