National Statistics Day activities in Middle School

"Without data you’re just another person with an opinion."

- Edwards Deming, Statistician

India observes National Statistics Day on 29 June every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the famous Indian scientist and statistician, Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, who aimed at promoting his idea of increasing people's understanding of statistics and encouraging its application. Students of The Indian School- Second Shift participated in a variety of exciting activities to mark the occasion.

Class 6 collected results from some of the regular examinations and plotted them on graphs and analysed the different graph styles.

Class 7 discussed the importance of statistics and data representation in everyday life. The ability to easily analyse large amounts of data was one of the statistical concepts discussed in detail by the students. To compare the population densities of these regions using 3D bar charts, the students also collected secondary data on the populations of the states of southern India and Texas.

The five most common activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were drawn on a pie chart by the students of class 8 using recycled items such as pencil shavings, fallen leaves, and clothing. Through this task, they learned that a pie chart is a circular statistical chart divided into several sections to describe or show numerical ratios.

Class 9 students demonstrated algebraic identity on graph paper and talked about the importance of statistics in an interactive workshop led by their teacher, Mr. Karmendra. Complex data was presented in formats like graphs, tables, and charts for an easier understanding. A more detailed rationale and a more precise explanation were provided. It helped them make a proper and effective plan for statistical research in all fields.

A project that integrates the social sciences, arts and mathematics was completed by class 10. They drew a map of India on a graph sheet, marking

the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Next, they joined 4 lines connecting 4 to 5 places they want to visit in India, using different colours. In this way, they made different shapes using different colours on the graph.

These mathematical exercises in each of the sessions gave students the opportunity to learn about the significance of statistics in diverse and hands-on ways, which in turn helped them to recognise their own abilities and stimulate their desire to learn more. All in all, it was a great educational opportunity.