Now that you have collected data, it's time make sense of it. Put your data in graphs or charts to analyze and interpret any trends or patterns. Compare your data to that collected by scientists or waste managers in your area, if such information is available. Make a claim about the impact of waste on people or the environment, using your data and other research as evidence and the basis for your REASONing.
MAKING SENSE OF YOUR DATA
Based on an analysis of the data you collected in the GATHER stage, does your initial explanation of the phenomenon observed on film also apply to your local area? Have you learned anything that could help you revise or refine your original explanation to be more accurate and complete?
- What patterns or trends do you see in your data?
- What happens to things people properly "throw away" in your area? Where do these things go? Are there any related problems? If so, what are they?
- What happens to waste that is not properly disposed of in your area? What are the related problems?
- How can the creation and /or use of disposable materials be reduced
- How could you compare the amounts and types of waste you collected to a standard or average nationwide, or in other countries? What would be an authoritative source? What conclusions could you draw by considering the amount (or types) of waste generated or disposed of locally, compared to other places?
MAKING A CLAIM ABOUT MATERIALS THAT ARE THROWN AWAY, BASED ON YOUR DATA
Convert your explanation to a claim based on the data you collected. Note this C-E-R form and scoring rubric you can use to make your argument.
- Make a Claim that answers the question: What is one of the worst waste problems in your schoolyard or community, based on the data you collected?
- Support the claim with Evidence (test results and other data you gathered).
- Connect the evidence to the claim with scientific Reasoning by comparing your data to other findings, and explaining the damage that is caused by the waste that you investigated. Explain the significance of your findings, according to a a scientific principle or an authoritative source.
- Revise the claim to be consistent with the evidence, if necessary.
IDENTIFYING A PROBLEM AND FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO IT
Based on your claim, evidence (data), and reasoning, what problems have you identified related to waste and its disposal? (Hint: What types of waste were most common? Which waste problems can be most easily solved?)
Choose one of the problems and focus on its causes, its consequences or effects, and their significance. Identify and write about this problem in the Reason section of your Portfolio. Tell about factors that cause or contribute to the problem. Describe what happens as a result of this problem. Why does it matter?