1 · Research a statistic
Choose a statistic you find interesting. Record its source website, date, population, units and category definitions. Make sure the categories describe one consistent total.
The If… project
Turn a statistic into a visual story.
If…
What if a large statistic became a small, familiar thing?
Keep the fraction. Change the representation.
This exploration uses invented data: 18 of 60 survey responses belong to one category. Represent that share on a strip. Your project uses a statistic you research.
Predict before changing a value. The written explanation below remains available without JavaScript.
From a statistic to a story.
2 · Choose your If image
Choose something related to your topic: one object divided into parts, or a group of objects. Decide what the entire image represents. Avoid distorting area by scaling only one dimension.
3 · Show the mathematics
State the actual total and your model total. For each category, write the part-to-whole equivalent ratio, calculate its model amount, and represent the ratio as a unit rate. Keep calculations unrounded until the final representation.
4 · Write your statement
Use “If ___ were ___, then…” and include all the parts of your image. Label every quantity. Explain any rounding or partial-symbol convention.
5 · Plan, check and finish
Prepare a rough draft and have it checked before collecting your good-copy sheet. Put the source website on the back. Submit your calculation sheet and coloured good copy together.
A model that tells the truth.
For invented data with categories 18, 27 and 15 out of 60, a 25 cm strip uses lengths 7.5 cm, 11.25 cm and 6.25 cm. These total 25 cm. Each category keeps its original part-to-whole ratio.
Using 25 whole counters instead would require rounding or partial counters. State the approximation; do not call the rounded ratios exactly equivalent.
Instructions, planning & rubric
The rubric considers the statistic, equivalent ratios and unit rates, visual representation, and communication. Use the linked classroom rubric for the level descriptions.