Google Trends is a great way to have students explore data. To begin, peak students' interest with something current happening in their lives. For the example, Game of Thrones is being used. You can have students select topics from music to sports, movies and more.
You can use Google Trends as a research tool- Their data can be displayed as a chart or timeline which can be exported as a screenshot and added to their project. You can also embed the real data into their document, website, and more. (see below)
You can use Google Trends as a research tool- Their data can be displayed as a chart or timeline which can be exported as a screenshot and added to their project. You can also embed the real data into their document, website, and more. (see below)
Talk About It!
Using Trends is a great way to higher level thinking questions. For example, have students query a topic like 2nd Amendment, and see when and where the searches ebb and flow. Ask them why they think it peaked at a certain time - what was going on at the time of the peak. This is a great way to talk about and study timelines.
Make Predictions
Have students look for patterns and trends in the data and come up with their own predictions. Apply this to a current event, subject, book, historical event or person you are studying.
- Google Trends Help Center – Tutorials and FAQ
- An Introduction to Google Trends – Video (16 min)