8
Evaluate

Presenting Findings and Recommendations

Duration
45 minutes
Type
Evaluate
Standards
MS-ETS1-4, RST.6-8.7

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

From Data to Action

Data without action is just numbers.

You've collected data, visualized it, and analyzed it statistically. Now comes the most important part: using what you learned to recommend changes that improve air quality. Good scientists don't just report what they found—they explain what it means and what should be done about it.

Structure of a Scientific Report

Section Purpose Key Elements
1. Introduction Set the context Research question, why it matters, what you expected to find
2. Methods Explain how you did it Sensor type, location, timing, variables, protocol
3. Results Show what you found Graphs, statistics, key numbers—no interpretation yet
4. Discussion Explain what it means Patterns, comparisons, limitations, surprises
5. Recommendations Propose actions Specific, achievable, data-supported suggestions
6. Conclusion Summarize key points Main finding, biggest recommendation, next steps

Making Claims with Evidence

Every claim needs evidence. Every piece of evidence needs interpretation.

Claim

A statement about what you found or believe to be true based on your data.

Evidence

Specific data (numbers, graphs) that supports your claim.

Reasoning

Explanation of how the evidence supports the claim.

Example

Claim: Opening windows significantly improves classroom air quality.

Evidence: With windows closed, average CO2 was 1,150 ppm and exceeded 1,000 ppm for 72% of class time. With windows open, average CO2 was 720 ppm and never exceeded 1,000 ppm.

Reasoning: The 430 ppm reduction in average CO2 shows that open windows bring in fresh outdoor air, diluting the CO2 we exhale. The fact that we never exceeded 1,000 ppm with windows open means ventilation was adequate to maintain good air quality.

Writing Effective Recommendations

Weak Recommendations

  • "Air quality should be better"
  • "Someone should do something"
  • "We need more ventilation"
  • "Open windows sometimes"
  • "The school should fix this"

Strong Recommendations

  • "Open at least 2 windows during every class"
  • "Install a CO2 monitor to track ventilation"
  • "Run the HVAC fan continuously, not just when heating"
  • "Schedule 5-minute ventilation breaks every hour"
  • "Add a Corsi-Rosenthal box to filter particles"

SMART Recommendations

  • Specific: Exactly what action should be taken
  • Measurable: How will we know if it worked?
  • Achievable: Can this actually be done with available resources?
  • Relevant: Will this actually address the problem?
  • Time-bound: When should this be implemented?

Know Your Audience

For Classmates

  • Focus on what they can control
  • Use relatable examples
  • Explain technical terms
  • Make it personal: "This affects us"
  • Include actions students can take

For Teachers/Admin

  • Lead with the key finding
  • Include specific data
  • Show comparison to standards
  • Propose realistic solutions
  • Consider cost and feasibility

For Parents

  • Connect to student health
  • Use simple, clear language
  • Avoid excessive jargon
  • Include visuals
  • Suggest family actions too

For School Board

  • One-page executive summary
  • Key statistics prominently displayed
  • Budget considerations included
  • Comparison to guidelines/regulations
  • Clear call to action

Presentation Tips

Visual Aids

  • One main idea per slide
  • Large, clear graphs
  • Key numbers in big text
  • Minimal bullet points
  • Reference lines on graphs

Speaking

  • Start with why it matters
  • Tell the story of your data
  • Explain graphs before showing them
  • End with clear recommendations
  • Practice with a timer

Sample Report Outline

Classroom Air Quality Investigation Report

Introduction

We investigated whether opening windows affects CO2 levels in Room 204. High CO2 indicates poor ventilation, which can affect student focus and health. We hypothesized that opening windows would lower CO2.

Methods

We used an Aranet4 CO2 sensor placed in the center of the room. We collected data for 3 class periods with windows closed and 3 with windows open, recording every 5 minutes.

Results

[Graph showing CO2 over time for both conditions]

  • Windows closed: Mean 1,150 ppm, Max 1,450 ppm, >1000 ppm 72% of time
  • Windows open: Mean 720 ppm, Max 890 ppm, >1000 ppm 0% of time

Discussion

Opening windows reduced average CO2 by 430 ppm and eliminated all readings above 1,000 ppm. This shows that natural ventilation can effectively maintain good air quality.

Recommendations

  1. Open at least 2 windows during every class period
  2. Install a permanent CO2 monitor so teachers know when ventilation is needed
  3. On cold days when windows can't be opened, consider using portable air purifiers

Conclusion

Simple changes like opening windows can significantly improve classroom air quality. We recommend the school implement a ventilation policy and provide CO2 monitors for all classrooms.

Activity: Create Your Report

Your Final Report

Create a report with the following sections:

  1. Title page: Research question, team names, date
  2. Introduction: What did you investigate and why?
  3. Methods: How did you collect data?
  4. Results: Include at least 2 graphs and key statistics
  5. Discussion: What do the results mean?
  6. Recommendations: At least 3 specific, actionable suggestions
  7. Conclusion: Summary of main findings and next steps

Presentation

Prepare a 5-minute presentation of your findings. Be ready to answer questions about your methods and recommendations.

Unit 6 Summary

What You Learned

  • How CO2 and PM2.5 sensors work
  • What readings mean for health
  • How to design a monitoring study
  • Proper data collection techniques
  • Graphing and visualization skills
  • Statistical analysis methods
  • Evidence-based communication

Skills You Developed

  • Scientific inquiry and research design
  • Data collection and organization
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Visual communication
  • Technical writing
  • Public speaking
  • Problem-solving

Key Takeaway

The goal of collecting and analyzing data is to drive action. Good scientists communicate their findings clearly, support claims with evidence, and make specific recommendations that can actually be implemented. Your voice matters—the data you collected can lead to real improvements in air quality for you, your classmates, and your community.

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