Start a Survey!

Data analysis may sound like a pretty fancy term for kindergarten, but this year, your child will get her feet wet with it. We’re not talking high-level statistics; we’re talking asking simple questions, like who likes cereal for breakfast and who likes pancakes, and then charting the results. This activity puts your kid in charge of her own survey! She’ll poll her relatives and friends, collect information, and then create a colorful chart to display her findings.

Materials:
Poster board
Markers
Blank paper
Pencil
Friends and family members

Directions:
1. In the “real” world, surveyors collect data to answer questions for many purposes, such as the United States Census, conducted every ten years to learn more about the people living in America.  Surveys help businesses, governments, and regular people answer questions. Ask your child to come up with a question she is interested in answering the people in her life. Possibilities might include: What is your favorite color? What is your favorite pet? What is your favorite fruit? What is your favorite sport?

2. Now sit down with your child and brainstorm a list of 15-20 people she could ask to answer her chosen question. She can include grandparents, scout leaders, neighbors, friends, teachers, or anyone else in her life. Most people love being involved in surveys—it gives them a chance to voice their opinions. Make a list together of all the people she plans on surveying. If she’s able to write their names herself, let her do so. Otherwise, provide as much help as necessary.