2902.0 - Census Update (Newsletter), Sep 1999  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 20/10/1999   
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Making Data Real For Our Students




        The 1996 Census Adelaide Social Atlas has provided an invaluable resource for students and educators in a trial currently being conducted by the Primary Mathematics Association in South Australia.

        A team of people, including a representative from the ABS, has worked to develop a set of mathematics challenges that focus on the use of the Social Atlas to develop students’ skills in analysing and interpreting data. These challenges are currently being trialed in a range of school settings across Adelaide, and the Primary Mathematics Association is looking forward to sharing both the ideas and findings with others in the coming months.

        What this research group is finding is that the strength of 1996 Census material lies in its authenticity. It is real data about real people. Consequently, the data provides both social issues for students to consider, as well as the mathematical concepts involved in analysing the information. The Atlas has also stimulated students to conduct their own investigations with many wanting to challenge, debate and explore the information provided.

        Keep reading coming issues of Census Update for further information on this trial.


        Click here for more information on Social Atlases