Young mathematicians collect data on the arm spans of classmates. Then they sort the data by measures of center, spread, and standard deviation. Finally, they compare groups, such as boys and girls, to interpret any differences. 

Concepts

arms, box plot, center, proportions, standard deviation, math modeling, mean, median, range

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Compare using classes early in puberty (such as sixth grade) and classes toward the end (such as 12th grade) to observe if the spread and measures of center change

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of collecting data, calculating measures of center, calculating spread, and constructing box plots
• Requires a tape measure, but a cloth ruler (such as on people use to measure fabric) works as well; ideally, you need one per set of two students, but they can share the tools if necessary

Pros

• Links to a site offering large amounts of data to help those with small classes collect more
• Includes extension ideas

Cons

• None

Common Core

6.SP.A.1 6.SP.A.2 6.SP.B.4 7.SP.A.1 7.SP.B.3 7.SP.B.4 MP3 MP4 MP5