Computer Science
Grade 1
20 min
What is Data?
Understand that data is information that can be collected.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify a question that can be answered with data.
Collect information by observing and asking.
Sort objects into groups based on one attribute (like color or shape).
Count the items in each sorted group accurately.
Explain that data is information we gather to answer questions.
Record simple data using tally marks or numbers.
Have you ever wanted to be a detective? 🕵️♂️ Let's find clues to solve mysteries!
Today, we will learn how to be data detectives. We will gather clues, called data, to answer fun questions. It's like a treasure hunt for information!
Real-World Applications
Choosing what game to play at recess 🤸♀️
Picking a favorite snack for the class party 🥨
Deciding on a class pet 🐹
Finding out the most popular color for...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DataData is a tiny piece of information, like a clue. It can be a color, a number, or a word.The color of your shirt is one piece of data. 'Blue' is the data! 👕
CollectTo collect means to gather or get information. Detectives collect clues!Asking your friends what their favorite animal is and writing it down. 📝
QuestionA question is what we want to find out. It's the start of our mystery!A good question is: 'How many students in our class have a pet?' 🐾
SortTo sort means to put things into groups that are alike.Putting all the red blocks in one pile and all the blue blocks in another. ❤️💙
CountTo count is to find out how many things are in a group.Counting the red blocks: 'One, two, three...' you have 3 red blocks. 🧱
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Core Syntax & Patterns
Rule 1: Ask First! 🤔
Start with a question.
Before you collect any data, you must know what mystery you are trying to solve.
Rule 2: Look and Record! ✍️
Gather your clues and write them down.
When you find a piece of data, make a mark or write it down so you don't forget.
Rule 3: One at a Time! ☝️
Count each item only once.
To get the right answer, be careful not to count the same thing twice. Touch each item as you count.
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Challenging
You ask, 'What pet do you have?' Friend 1 says, 'I have a cat.' Friend 2 says, 'I like to play outside.' Whose answer is data for your question?
A.Friend 1's answer
B.Friend 2's answer
C.Both answers are good data
D.Neither answer is data
Challenging
To follow the rule 'You can have a cookie after you finish your lunch,' what data does a grown-up need to collect first?
A.If you like cookies
B.What time it is
C.Checking if the lunch is all eaten
D.Asking if you are still hungry
Challenging
A computer needs data to work. If you want a game to know your name, what data collection step must happen?
A.You must type your name in
B.The computer guesses your name
C.You tell your friend your name
D.You write your name on paper
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