DATA
In 5th grade, you are supposed to master two kinds of data, discrete and continuous data.
Discrete data is best displayed on a bar graph, and it is data that can only be represented by certain numbers (usually whole numbers). Say what? Well, the best example that I have found is the number of kids in classrooms. You can't have 1/2 a kid. So, the number of kids is always a whole number and always discrete data! I am sure that you can think of other examples, right? You could list the number of pencils in backpacks, or you could list the number of pencils on the floor at the end of the day (and please do not tell me that you can find 7 13/24 pencils, a pencil is a pencil).
Continuous data makes up the rest of numerical data. This is a type of data that is usually associated with some sort of physical measurement. Continuous data is best displayed on a line graph. It is data that can be represented by many values that fall into a range of values. Huh? Well, if you look at a person's height, the values would usually fall between 18 inches and 84 inches depending on the stage of life of the person in question. However, it is quite possible for a person to be 60 1/2 inches and then grow to 62 2/3inches. What else would you list that is continuous data? Ex. The height of trees at a nursery is an example of continuous data. Is it possible for a tree to be 76.2" tall? Sure. How about 76.29"? Yes. How about 76.2914563782"? You betcha! The possibilities depends upon the accuracy of our measuring device. One general way to tell if data is continuous is to ask yourself if it is possible for the data to take on values that are fractions or decimals. If your answer is yes, this is usually continuous data.
Ex. The length of time it takes for a light bulb to burn out is an example of continuous data. Could it take 800 hours? How about 800.7? 800.7354? The answer to all 3 is yes.
Rainfall? Temperature?
