Driving SCIENCE STEM Activity 2 Setting Up A Data Collection Plan

Choosing the Question The university-based Data-Is-Power (DIP) Statistics Group needs help collecting information on seatbelt use among teenagers. What questions can be asked about seatbelt use among teenagers?

Statistical Question or Not Statistical Question What percent of teenagers always wear seatbelts when riding in cars? How many teenagers who were car riders today were wearing a seatbelt when they arrived at school? Do teenagers who play sports regularly wear seatbelts? Non-Statistical Question Do I wear a seatbelt? Do you wear a seatbelt? How old were you when you started wearing a seatbelt? Do you like to wear a seatbelt? Does my favorite racecar driver wear a seatbelt when racing?

Brainstorming the Design What population will be included in the survey? How many samples will be collected? How will the survey be conducted–interviews, observations, forms? When and where will the survey be conducted? How will raw data be recorded?

Developing the Plan Teamwork Each team will design a plan for gathering data to answer the selected statistical question. Plans should include population and sample information, collection method, and how raw data will be recorded. After sharing, a class plan will be agreed upon and implemented.

Will Your Data Add to the Knowledge Base? From October 2014 Traffic Safety Report (CDC): Who is least likely to wear a seat belt? Adults age are less likely to wear seat belts than adults age 35 or older. Males are 10% less likely to wear seat belts than women. Adults who live in rural areas are 10% less likely to wear seat belts (78% use) than adults who live in urban and suburban areas (87% use). Seat belt use is lower in states with secondary enforcement seat belt laws or no seat belt laws (80%) compared to states with primary enforcement laws (89%).

Thanks to PDI 2 partners who sponsored the development of this activity and provided professional development support: American Honda Foundation DuPont CU-ICAR Safety-Kleen, EcoPower Fluor United States Conference of Mayors Thanks to race track partners who provided support for teachers: Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, and Richmond International Raceway Copyright © 2015 Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina (SC).