The lessons presented in this unit were a springboard for the publication, Investigating Middle School Mathematics: Classroom Lessons Using Wii Sports® by Christina Gawlik. Information about this teacher resource can be found at https://www.createspace.com/3695735 and on its accompanying facebook page.
Materials Needed:
- Wii ™ gaming system
- Wii Sports game
- Wii Activity Sheet #4 – one per student
- Wii Reflection Activity– one per student
Mathematical Content
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Measures of Central Tendencies
- Graphical Representations of Data
- Scatter Plots
- Problem Solving
Initial Class Discussion
Let’s have fun with golf! Play a round of golf, selecting the 9-hole game. Record your score per hole, the par per hole, and your total score. The waiting players should record data and offer encouragement.
Depending on your intensions, you may want students to discuss hitting strategies or allow students to develop their own strategies.
Review different graphical representations of data with students, as well as common golf terminology.
- What are some different ways we can graphically represent data?
- When is it appropriate/not appropriate to use each type of graph?
- In golf, what does par mean? Bogey? Double Bogey? Eagle? Birdie?
If necessary, provide sample data and explanations.
In pairs or small groups, students should proceed with the fourth activity.
Concluding Class Discussion
Ask students to describe their discoveries from the Wii™ Activity Sheet #4—Golf.
- What was interesting about your findings for the day?
- How would your data values differ if you golfed on a real golf course?
- Describe similarities and differences that exist among different representations of data.
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