ABSTRACT
This chapter explores ways of collecting data and analysing it. Data can be collected by observation. For example, the children can carry out a pond-dipping activity to discover what creatures they can find in a pond. They will need to record their findings. Encourage them to prepare a sheet on which to record their findings. Whenever children collect the data by observing it is important to keep a record of their observations. The chapter explains how information can be collected by carrying out a survey. Stress that it is important to have a clear idea of the information that the survey is intended to find out. Interviews are also a useful source of information, both for establishing facts and for finding out opinions. An interview can be useful, e.g. if you want to discover how something has changed over a period of time and how that change has affected people's lives.
