Canadian reading habits

Overview

Using the 'Canadians' reading habits' table, students answer a series of questions on the components of a table before describing the relationship between rows and columns. The class produces a tally chart of their reading behaviours and calculates the percentages. Students apply the results to one of four scenarios.

Contributors: Linda McCormick and Nadia Beckford, Education Communications, Dissemination Division, Statistics Canada.

Objectives

• to review the parts of a table and terminology
• to collect primary data on their own reading behaviours
• to calculate percentages
• to apply statistical information to a hypothetical situation

Suggested grade levels and subject area

Elementary, Intermediate
Mathematics

Outcomes

Students will:

• define the parts of a table using correct terminology;
• count and compile data using a tally chart; and
• calculate percentages and explain using correct mathematical terminology.

Vocabulary

Percentage — refers to a rate or proportion. It's one part in every hundred.
Fiction — novels, describing imaginary events and people
Non-Fiction — based on truth and facts
Reference period — time frame of a survey

Materials

1. Writing utensils
2. Canadians' reading habits table
3. Student worksheet
4. Optional: calculator

Classroom instructions

1. Distribute copies of Canadians' reading habits table to the class or use an overhead of the table
2. Review table terminology (title, row stubs, headers, source etc.) if necessary, then ask students to complete part A of the worksheet.
3. Collect primary data on the reading behaviours of the students in the class. (i.e. How many of you have read a magazine in the last week? in the last 12 months? Students indicate their response by raising their hands to each question.) Use the students response to illustrate the importance of reference periods to survey design and analysis. Could you infer that individuals who read in the last week are regular readers?
4. Count and record students response by gender using the blackboard or an overhead of the table in part B on the worksheet.
5. Calculate the total column by summing male and female responses. Count the total number of students in the class.
6. Students use the primary data to complete the table in Part B of the worksheet.
7. Students complete part C using their results to Part B.

Evaluation

Here's a suggestion for a possible grading scheme for the assignment.

Part A - 10 marks
Part B - 30 marks
Part C - 10 marks
Total   - 50 marks

Enrichment

Compare class findings to Statistics Canada's results for different age groups (under and over 35 years of age).

Please e-mail comments or examples of how you used this exercise in your class.