In the FLAT ME project, students create and send a FLAT ME figure of themselves, along with a FLAT  ME letter, to collect information about distant places. Students utilize their authentic data to create travel stories and data graphs and to display the class data in a fun and creative way.

This project is based on the book Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown.

The project is modeled after numerous Flat Stanley collaborative Internet  projects.

Students will collect, organize, analyze, display, and share data.

Students will manipulate data using a spreadsheet and/or a graphing calculator.

Students will create and solve word problems using their authentic data.

Students will utilize both verbal and written communication skills throughout the data collection activity.

MA.E.1.3.1
Collect, organize, and display data in a variety of forms, including tables, line graphs, charts, and bar braphs, to determine how different ways of presenting data can lead to different interpretations.

MA.E.1.3.2
Understand and apply the concepts of range and central tendency (mean, median, and mode).

MA.E.1.3.3
Analyze real-world data by applying appropriate formulas for measures of central tendency and organize data in a quality display, using appropriate technology, including calculators and computers.

The teacher will survey students to determine the type of computer access they have outside of school. Students will use their own email accounts to send and receive data.

The teacher will assist students in determining who their data contacts will be during the project. (Contacts must be family friends or acquaintances).

Students will work independently in partners at the seven classroom computers. They will be assisted by the teacher in using the scanner and the digital camera.

The project will be ongoing throughout the school year.