Contextualization

Mathematics is a fascinating discipline, full of possibilities and practical applications in our daily lives. One of the most used elements for the interpretation of data and information, especially in the modern and connected world, is graphics. They are everywhere: in newspapers, on television, on the internet and, more frequently, they are used to communicate a large volume of data quickly and intuitively. However, care must be taken when analyzing a graph, as reading errors can lead to misinterpretations, and even manipulation of information.

Among the most common errors we have the use of inappropriate scales, incorrectly explained captions and omission of important information such as sources and dates. And, aware of this reality, we will address the theme "Graphics - Reading Errors" in this project. This will allow a more accurate understanding of this resource, which is so important and frequent in our daily lives.

The ability to read and analyze charts is a key competence not only for mathematics, but for many other areas, such as physics, economics, social and biological sciences, besides being a competence required in many exams and assessments, such as ENEM, university entrance exams and tenders. Therefore, knowledge in this theme brings benefits that transcend the classroom, being a valuable skill for life, both in the academic and professional contexts.

We live in the information age, where we are constantly bombarded with data and numbers. But have you ever stopped to think if all these graphics that reach us are correct? Unfortunately, not all of them are, and this is where the importance of being able to identify a well-made graph and correctly interpret its information lies. This can help avoid confusion and, in some cases, even manipulation through misinterpretations.

Practical Activity

Title of the activity: "Detective of Charts"

Objective of the project

Analysis, comprehension and creation of charts, as well as the identification of reading errors common when interpreting them.

Detailed description of the project

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group must conduct a research on charts with reading errors in the media. They must collect at least 5 charts, with different types of errors. Then, the groups must recreate the charts correctly, observing all the details necessary for a good presentation and interpretation of the chart.

Afterwards, the groups must hold a presentation for the rest of the class, explaining which reading errors were found in the original charts and how they were corrected in their recreated versions. The students must also discuss the possible consequences of these errors, such as information manipulation and wrong understandings, and, finally, the importance of a correct graphical presentation of the data.

Necessary materials

1. Internet access for collecting the charts.
2. Material for making the charts (it can be manual or digital)
3. Presentation software for structuring the work (Ex: PowerPoint, Google Slides)
4. Material for taking notes (paper, pens, computer)

Detailed step by step to carry out the activity

Step 1: Formation of the groups and start of the research. Learn more about the different types of errors and what to look for in the charts. Remember: errors can be in the scale, in the caption, in the omission of important information and other aspects.

Step 2: Collection of the charts. Each group must collect at least 5 charts with different types of errors. Remember to write down where each chart was found.

Step 3: Analysis of the collected charts. Identify the errors present in each chart and discuss how they influence the interpretation of the data.

Step 4: Recreation of the charts. Correct the identified errors, creating corrected versions of the charts. You can use spreadsheet software or other visual resources.

Step 5: Preparation of the presentation. Prepare a presentation to explain the errors found and how each one of them was corrected. Also explain the possible consequences of misreading these charts.

Step 6: Presentation of the work to the class. Each group will present its work, showing the original and corrected charts, explaining the errors and how they were corrected.

Project delivery

The final work will be divided into two parts: the oral presentation and the submission of a report.

Oral presentation: Each group will present its work to the class, focusing on the charts found, the errors identified and how they were corrected.

Written report: Besides the presentation, each group must submit a written report following the format of Introduction, Development, Conclusions and References used.

• Introduction: The student must contextualize the theme, its relevance and application in the real world as well as the objective of this project.

• Development: The student must explain the theory behind the project's central theme(s), explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used and finally present and discuss the results obtained.

• Conclusion: The student must conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining the lessons learned and the conclusions drawn about the project.

• References: The references must contain all the research sources used during the project, including the places where the charts with errors were found.

This report will be essential to assess the group's understanding of reading errors in charts, the methodology used to correct these errors and the learning acquired during the project.

Remember: teamwork is essential in this project. All group members must collaborate equally in the research, collection of charts, analysis, creation of new charts and preparation of the report.