Description
I teach statistics by spiraling it throughout the year. After each unit test or benchmark, students analyze their own assessment data through a statistical lens. The fifth Statistical Analysis that students complete reinforces the statistical measures of center (mean, median, mode) and spread (range, IQR), as well as determining shape through various plots and graphs. SA #5 reviews the plots previously discussed (stem n' leaf, histogram, and box plot), but also introduces the dot plot. In addition to pulling together these previous standards, SA #5 focuses on comparing and contrasting two different data sets.
Similarly to SA #3 and 4, SA #5 starts by providing the raw test data (of two different classes) through a plot; however, this time it uses a box plot instead of a stem n' leaf. Students' first task is to use their knowledge of the box plot to determine the five number summary (for each set of data), which was introduced in the previous statistical analysis. The template then tasks students to calculate the range and interquartile range. This section is followed by two questions that ask students to reflect on the data presented and to compare the two sets of data.
Part 2 of the template presents the two classes of data using dot plots. In this section, students must use the dot plot to create a stem n' leaf plot and a histogram of the data.
In part 3 of the template, students calculate the mean and mode of both data sets, then reflect on all data and plots/graphs to determine which measures are "best" for describing the shape, center, and spread of each distribution, ultimately comparing the two distributions. Like all Statistical Analyses, the reflection questions work to summarize the activity and incorporate literacy and critical thinking skills.
There are a total of 5 statistical analyses. They are scaffolded to build on the skills/standards established in the previous activity as well as introduce a new skill/standard.
Each Statistical Analysis is customizable for your students' data, and are appropriate for grades 6-9.
Statistical Analysis #5: Comparing Two Distributions
6.SP.A.2
6.SP.B.4
6.SP.B.5
7.SP.B.3
HSS-ID.A.1
HSS-ID.A.2
HSS-ID.A.3
Highlights
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Description
I teach statistics by spiraling it throughout the year. After each unit test or benchmark, students analyze their own assessment data through a statistical lens. The fifth Statistical Analysis that students complete reinforces the statistical measures of center (mean, median, mode) and spread (range, IQR), as well as determining shape through various plots and graphs. SA #5 reviews the plots previously discussed (stem n' leaf, histogram, and box plot), but also introduces the dot plot. In addition to pulling together these previous standards, SA #5 focuses on comparing and contrasting two different data sets.
Similarly to SA #3 and 4, SA #5 starts by providing the raw test data (of two different classes) through a plot; however, this time it uses a box plot instead of a stem n' leaf. Students' first task is to use their knowledge of the box plot to determine the five number summary (for each set of data), which was introduced in the previous statistical analysis. The template then tasks students to calculate the range and interquartile range. This section is followed by two questions that ask students to reflect on the data presented and to compare the two sets of data.
Part 2 of the template presents the two classes of data using dot plots. In this section, students must use the dot plot to create a stem n' leaf plot and a histogram of the data.
In part 3 of the template, students calculate the mean and mode of both data sets, then reflect on all data and plots/graphs to determine which measures are "best" for describing the shape, center, and spread of each distribution, ultimately comparing the two distributions. Like all Statistical Analyses, the reflection questions work to summarize the activity and incorporate literacy and critical thinking skills.
There are a total of 5 statistical analyses. They are scaffolded to build on the skills/standards established in the previous activity as well as introduce a new skill/standard.
Each Statistical Analysis is customizable for your students' data, and are appropriate for grades 6-9.
Statistical Analysis #5: Comparing Two Distributions
6.SP.A.2
6.SP.B.4
6.SP.B.5
7.SP.B.3
HSS-ID.A.1
HSS-ID.A.2
HSS-ID.A.3
