1 Working Mathematically with Data

We live in the information age. In a recent radio national programme it was reported that more information has been produced and stored in the last five years than in the rest of the history of humankind. Data are also more readily accessible than ever before. It is therefore of paramount importance that students have the skills to be able to collect or select the data they require for a particular purpose, and then to interpret and communicate the data effectively in both words and pictures. The Data strand of the syllabus equips students with the ability to work with data and to evaluate critically the use of data by others. When the new 7-10 syllabus was introduced in NSW schools 2004, it was not surprising that differences from the old syllabus were greatest within the Data strand. Many skills that were previously taught in high school are now being taught in primary school (Stage 3). At the MANSW conference we learnt that by the time year 7 students in 2006 reach year 11, there will be new HSC mathematics courses (Board of Studies presentation). These courses, like the new 7 – 10 courses, could be expected to place a greater emphasis on statistical literacy. Within each strand of the NSW K-10 syllabus, students are now required to “work mathematically”. “Working mathematically ” includes the processes of questioning, reflecting, reasoning, applyin