Who uses statistics teachers page

Primary Activities

Who Uses Statistics
Primary StatZing!

Curriculum Links

Maths at Level 2 - Interpreting statistical reports:

• Make sensible statements about the situation represented by a statistical data display drawn by others.

Level 3 - Interpreting statistical reports:

• Make sensible statements about an assertion on the basis of the evidence of a statistical investigation.

Level 4 - Interpreting statistical reports:

• Make statements about implications and possible actions consistent with the results of a statistical investigation.

Background

Statistics new Zealand has a wealth of information that is used by government, businesses and individuals to make decisions. StatZing! has activities where students look at data from the Census of Population and Dwellings and CensusAtSchool and think about how it can be used in making decisions. The web activity, "Who uses statistics", asks students to find information on Statistics New Zealand’s website and explore how it could be used in decision making.

Answers for "Who uses statistics" activity page

1. That power company needs to know where people live because that helps them to decide what type of power generation they will use and where they will build the power stations. 

2. The council will want to know how many young people actually live in Oakura before they spend money on a skatepark. What if most of the population was over 85 years old? Only the very fittest would use a skatepark!

3. The building industry likes to keep an eye on where dwellings are being built so they can work out future trends. By looking at population figures as well, they might find that a large number of houses need to be built in Auckland or that more builders need to be trained.

4. The Kiwi careers people may use statistics like these to tell young people which courses of study have good job prospects. For example, almost all the people who have studied architecture and building are employed.

5. Most people seem to work between 40 and 49 hours per week. Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) likes to know these figures because they set up activities that encourage people to keep fit and healthy in their spare time.

6. In 2001, there were over 277,000 children aged  0 to 4 years so a lot of them would have been Wiggles fans. Some of them will still be Wiggles fans!

7. Students' ideas! Answers will vary.