Analyzing Trends: Identifying Patterns in Data

Learning Objectives Define 'data', 'pattern', and 'trend' in their own words. Identify an increasing (upward) trend in a simple dataset. Identify a decreasing (downward) trend in a simple dataset. Recognize a simple repeating (cyclical) pattern in a list of data. Store a simple dataset in a Python list. By the end of of this lesson, students will be able to use a loop to examine each item in a list to help find a trend. Make a simple prediction about the next value in a dataset based on its trend. Ever wonder how YouTube knows exactly what video you'll want to watch next? 🧐 It's not magic, it's all about finding patterns in data! In this lesson, you will become a data detective! We will learn how to look at lists of informatio...

TermDefinitionExample DataInformation that we can collect, measure, and observe. In computer science, we often work with data in the form of numbers or text.A list of your test scores for the year: `[85, 88, 92, 95]`. DatasetA collection of related data, usually stored together. In Python, a list is a great way to store a dataset.`daily_steps = [8500, 9200, 7800, 10500]` is a dataset of steps taken over four days. PatternSomething that happens or appears in a repeating or predictable way within a dataset.In the dataset `[5, 10, 5, 10, 5, 10]`, the repeating pattern is `5, 10`. TrendThe general direction that the data is moving over time. It tells the overall story of the data.If your video game level goes from 10 to 25 over a week, the trend is upward. Increasing TrendA trend where the da...

The 'Look Next Door' Rule Compare each value in a list to the value right after it. Use this to find a simple trend. By looping through a list and checking if the next number is bigger or smaller, you can quickly see if the data is mostly going up or down. The 'Count the Ups and Downs' Rule Keep two counters, one for increases and one for decreases. The larger counter suggests the overall trend. This is useful when the data doesn't go up or down perfectly. If you have 5 increases and only 2 decreases, the overall trend is likely increasing. The 'Spot the Repetition' Rule Look for a small sequence of numbers that appears over and over again. This is the best way to find a cyclical pattern. Visually scan the data for a chunk that repe...