Math
Math

Statistics: Data Distributions

Analyze data sets using measures of center and variability, and represent data with dot plots, histograms, and box plots.

Grade 6-8Intermediate50 min

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you'll learn to analyze real data — finding the center, spread, and shape of a distribution — and display it using dot plots, histograms, and box plots.

Essential Question

What does the 'average' tell you about a data set? What doesn't it tell you?

Standards

CCSS 6.SP.A.1, 6.SP.B.4, 6.SP.B.5

Learning Objectives

  • 1Calculate mean, median, mode, and range of a data set
  • 2Construct and interpret dot plots, histograms, and box plots
  • 3Describe the shape, center, and spread of a distribution

Materials Needed

  • Sticky notes or dot stickers
  • Graph paper
  • Ruler
  • Class survey data

Key Topics

statisticsdatameanmedianbox plothistogram