The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) collect vast amounts of data. For this activity, we want you to use their Natality Information database to test various hypotheses about birth. For the following five issues, please create a hypothesis and then use the database to collect information about the issue. Once you the data is displayed, record it and indicate whether your hypothesis was supported by data.
The database functions in this manner:
Upon going to this website, you will need to comply with the CDC requirements for using the database. Because this is a school activity, you will be fine. Click I Agree.
The top section (Section 1) of the query engine will allow you to determine how your data sets will be displayed. You will want to Group Results by State for the queries you will perform.
Be sure to select the correct measure for your question/hypothesis. Select only one measure for each query.
Section 2 allows to select individual states or multiple states for comparison. If you have selected states in Section 1, you can run multiple data sets here and see them displayed by state. If you did not, the only way to see individual state data is to run the query one state at a time.
The remaining sections include the conditions you can use for comparison. You will need to find the appropriate section for the condition you are testing for. Once you have found it, go ahead and run your query by clicking Send.
Let me talk you through the process. Seriously, watch this video explanation of what you're doing.
Here's an example. Which state, Utah or New York, has the highest average age for mothers giving birth?
Hypothesis: New York has the highest average age for mothers giving birth.
Data (based on the following settings)
Section 1: Group Results by State; Measure: Average Age of Mother (years)
Section 2: Select Utah and New York
Run the report (click Send) and the data says that New York's average age of mothers is 30.26 and Utah's is 28.59
Supported hypothesis: Yes
Data Questions
Now run the data queries for the following questions and record your hypothesis, data, and whether your hypothesis was supported.
Which state, Wyoming or Texas, has the highest fertility rate?
In which state, Hawaii or Illinois, is the mother's education the highest?
Pick two states and determine which state has the most births in May. (For this question and the next two, don't forget to make a hypothesis about which one you think it is.)
Pick two states and determine which state has the most twins.
Pick three states and determine which state has the most babies with Down syndrome.
awnser must be long