1. Finding Trends with Visualizations
Lesson 2-8 – AP Computer Science Principles

2. Objectives
Use Google Trends to identify and explore connections and patterns within a data visualization.
Accurately describe what a data visualization of a trend is showing.
Provide plausible explanations of trends and patterns observed within a data visualization.

3. Trends
Last time we started to collect data about ourselves so that we could learn about trends and patterns in our behavior. Today we’re going to look at another tool that has collected a lot more data about you, me, and everyone else in this room. We’re going to start thinking about how to tell stories with data, what data we need, and how best to use and present it.

4. Exploring Google Trends
Read the top of the Activity Guide to understand Google trends
Go to  
Do a comparison
Go to
Enter two or three things you like
Answer the questions on the first page of the activity guide
Explore a trend of your own and “Tell a Story”
Complete the Activity Guide
Keep the trends on your screen!

5. Let’s look at a few stories…
I will randomly pick a student and display your screen to the class
You will take a minute or so to present you chart and story to the class.