Statistics is made approachable, and dare we say fun, in this activity on using box-and-whisker plots to analyze and compare data sets. Specific emphasis is placed on interpretations and explanations while graphing, and in using the graphs to compare characteristics of related data sets. Questions progress logically, leading learners to a deeper understanding of statistical analysis.

Concepts

box and whisker plots, statistics, data analysis, central tendency

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Consider using the lesson introduction where the class creates a human box-and-whisker plot
• Have learners create their own box-and-whisker data analysis and comparison from data sets they research
• Advanced or interested students could also learn and calculate standard deviation of data to compare to IQR

Classroom Considerations

• Space provided between questions might not be sufficient for showing calculations for some learners
• ESL learners might benefit from a vocabulary refresher list

Pros

• Thorough treatment of creating box-and-whisker plots and using them to analyze data characteristics
• Large problems are broken down into bite-sized chunks, scaffolded for greater understanding
• Teaching notes include ways to introduce and redirect class interest, keeping everyone on task

Cons

• Mentioned summative assessments on the LTF website are not linked for access

Common Core

6.NS.B.3 6.SP.B.4 6.SP.B.5.c 6.SP.B.5.d 7.SP.B.3 MP1 MP2 MP3 MP4 MP6