The Reach for the Stars National Data Summary Report is now available (PDF 1.03MB | RTF 178KB)
Students across Australia collected data about their classrooms and submitted it to the National Data Collection, where it was collated and analysed to give us a picture of a typical Australian classroom.
Using formal measurements (metres) and also ‘people’ measurements (standing side by side an arm’s length apart) students have contributed to the National Data results showing that if all Australian students lined up one arm’s length apart they would reach from Melbourne to Darwin (over 3000km!) and if they all stood together packed in tightly they would fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground more than 18 times.
The report not only provides you with an idea of the typical Australian classroom but has lots of ideas of how to explore the data and results with your students. See also More Teaching Ideas for suggestions on incorporating the National Data in your discussions.
The full raw data set is also available to use with the report. Ask your students to find the data entry that couldn’t possibly be true in Q7, and discuss with them the concept of data ‘cleaning’ and the justifications behind this. (XLS 144KB | CSV 72KB)
Thanks to all who submitted their data. Don't forget to collect your participation certificate which you can personalise with your school name, class name, or student name if you wish.