Collecting Classroom Data
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Execute a data collection protocol consistently
- Record observations systematically in a data table
- Document conditions and anomalies during data collection
- Organize raw data for later analysis
Data Collection Day!
Today you become real scientists.
You've designed your study. Now it's time to put your plan into action. Remember: good data comes from following your protocol carefully and recording everything accurately.
Before You Begin: Setup Checklist
Equipment Check
- ☐ Sensor is charged/has batteries
- ☐ Sensor displays are readable
- ☐ Data recording sheets ready
- ☐ Timer or clock visible
- ☐ Pencils (not pens — easier to correct errors)
Environment Check
- ☐ Sensor placed in correct location
- ☐ Sensor at correct height
- ☐ No obstructions near sensor
- ☐ Note starting conditions (windows, doors, people)
- ☐ Sensor has stabilized (wait 5 min)
Data Recording Sheet
Header Information (fill in once):
| Date: | Location: | ||
| Sensor ID: | Recorder: | ||
| Weather: | Research Question: |
Data Table:
| Time | CO2 (ppm) | PM2.5 (μg/m³) | # People | Windows | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Practices During Collection
Do This
- Record at exact intervals — Set a timer
- Write numbers clearly — Is that a 7 or a 1?
- Note any changes — Door opened, person left
- Record unexpected events — Fire drill, loud noise
- Cross out mistakes neatly — Don't erase
- Stay focused — One person watches clock
Avoid This
- Moving the sensor — Keep it stable
- Breathing on the sensor — Stay at least 3 feet away
- Skipping readings — Missing data creates gaps
- Rounding numbers — Record exact values
- Guessing missed readings — Leave blank instead
- Talking while recording — Focus prevents errors
Handling Common Situations
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Missed a reading time | Leave that row blank, note the reason, continue with next scheduled reading |
| Someone bumped the sensor | Note it happened, wait for sensor to stabilize, mark affected readings with asterisk |
| Unexpected event (fire drill) | Record time of event, pause if needed, note how long disruption lasted |
| Sensor shows error or strange reading | Record what display shows, note it as questionable, don't adjust the sensor |
| Conditions changed (window opened) | Record exact time of change, note what changed, continue collecting data |
Example: A Class Period of Data
Research Question: How does CO2 change during a 45-minute class?
| Time | CO2 (ppm) | # People | Windows | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | 487 | 0 | Closed | Empty room, start of day |
| 9:05 | 623 | 24 | Closed | Class entered at 9:02 |
| 9:10 | 789 | 24 | Closed | |
| 9:15 | 912 | 24 | Closed | |
| 9:20 | 1043 | 24 | Closed | |
| 9:25 | 1156 | 25 | Closed | Late student arrived |
| 9:30 | 1201 | 25 | Closed | |
| 9:35 | 1089 | 25 | Open (2) | Teacher opened windows at 9:32 |
| 9:40 | 947 | 25 | Open (2) | |
| 9:45 | 524 | 0 | Open (2) | Class ended, room empty |
Observations: CO2 rose steadily as students were present and dropped quickly when windows opened and when the room emptied.
Activity: Collect Your Data
Data Collection Session
Using your study design from Lesson 4, collect at least one session of data:
- Set up your sensor according to your protocol
- Wait for the sensor to stabilize (5 minutes)
- Begin recording at your planned intervals
- Document any changes or unusual events
- Continue for your planned duration
- Complete the session summary below
Session Summary (fill in after collection):
- Total readings collected: ___
- Any missed readings? ___
- Highest value recorded: ___
- Lowest value recorded: ___
- Any problems or unusual events? ___
Entering Data Digitally
After collecting data on paper, you'll enter it into a spreadsheet for analysis.
Spreadsheet Setup
- Each column = one variable
- Each row = one reading
- First row = column headers
- Use consistent formats (times, units)
Double-Check Entry
- Have a partner verify numbers
- Check for typos (extra zeros!)
- Ensure no data is skipped
- Save your file frequently
Key Takeaway
Good data comes from careful, consistent collection. Follow your protocol exactly, record everything clearly, and document any changes or problems. Your raw data is the foundation for all the analysis that follows—take your time and do it right!