Unit 8: Data Sets and Distributions
Students learn to classify questions as statistical or non-statistical, represent distributions of data with dot plots, histograms, and box plots, and describe distributions using measures of center (mean, median) and measures of variability (MAD, range, IQR).
Worksheets
Every sheet has an answer key. Free to print, no login.
What this unit covers
A Data, Variability, and Statistical Questions · 2 lessons
Goals
- Comprehend and use the terms “numerical” and “categorical” to describe data sets.
- Justify whether a question is “statistical” based on whether variability is expected in the data that could be collected.
Lessons
- Got Data?
- Statistical Questions
B Dot Plots and Histograms · 6 lessons
Goals
- Describe a distribution represented by a dot plot, including informal observations about its center and spread.
- Interpret a histogram to answer statistical questions about a data set.
Lessons
- Representing Data Graphically
- Dot Plots
- Using Dot Plots to Answer Statistical Questions
- Interpreting Histograms
- Using Histograms to Answer Statistical Questions
- Describing Distributions on Histograms
C Measures of Center and Variability · 4 lessons
Goals
- Compare the means and mean absolute deviations of different distributions.
- Interpret the mean and mean absolute deviation (MAD) in the context of the data.
Lessons
- Mean
- Finding and Interpreting the Mean as the Balance Point
- Variability and MAD
- Using Mean and MAD to Make Comparisons
D Median and IQR · 5 lessons
Goals
- Compare and contrast distributions that are represented with box plots.
- Interpret the median and interquartile range (IQR) in the context of the data.
Lessons
- Median
- Comparing Mean and Median
- Quartiles and Interquartile Range
- Box Plots
- Using Box Plots
E Let’s Put It to Work · 1 lesson
Lessons
- Using Data to Solve Problems (Optional)