End your statistics unit with an engaging data collection project! Students will develop a research question comparing data from two different contexts, collect data, and then use summary statistics, measures of central tendency, and graphs to answer their questions.

This is an easy way to incorporate project-based learning and real-world math into your statistics unit for middle school or algebra.

Students will choose a question of interest and compare two sets of data using summary statistics (mean, median, etc.) and graphs, including dot plots, boxplots, or histograms, to answer their questions.

Data can be obtained online, or students can survey their classmates for data.
Students can present their project as a poster or digitally, such as in Google Slides.

Some questions my students have investigated in the past:

• Who has more Instagram followers? Boys or Girls?
• At what age should teenagers be allowed to date? – This student compared adult to student answers.
• Who has more calories in their ice cream? Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone? (This student compared calories per ounce at each store).
• Do the Colts score more points per game during home games or away games?

This resource includes a project outline for students to use as a guide while completing their project and a scoring sheet for grading the project. Both PDF and editable Word files are included to tailor the project to match your statistics unit.

Other resources that may interest you:

Writing Equations of Lines in Slope Intercept Form Partner Worksheet

Transformations on the Coordinate Plane Stations Review Activity

Transformations Coordinate Design Geometry Project