Grade Level: 5th–8th Grade
Math Focus: Data Collection, Measurement, Mean, Median, and Range

Overview:
Acorn Averages is an engaging, hands-on fall math activity that takes learning outdoors. Students collect at least five acorns, measure each in centimeters, and record their data. They then calculate the mean, median, and range of their measurements. This real-world application of data analysis encourages critical thinking, accuracy in measurement, and a connection between math and nature.

Learning Objectives:

• Practice accurate measurement using metric units.
  
• Organize data into a simple table.
  
• Calculate mean, median, and range from a data set.
  
• Interpret and compare data results.
  

Extension Ideas:

• Have students graph their measurements using a bar or line plot.
  
• Compare results between classmates or locations to discuss variability in data.
  
• Integrate science by discussing why acorn sizes vary among oak species.
  

Materials Needed:

• Ruler or measuring tape (centimeters)
  
• Acorns (at least 5 per student)
  
• Pencil and worksheet
  

Duration: 30–45 minutes

Setting: Outdoor and classroom