The Shape of the Data

Here is a link to a printable tri-fold brochure for the new math unit that was written by Duval County!!

We will learn about Statistics over the next three weeks!!

Mathematical Emphasis

Investigation 1—Introduction to Data Analysis

Making quick sketches of the data to use as working tools during the analysis process
Describing the shape of the data, moving from noticing individual features of the data to describing the overall shape of the distribution
Defining the way data will be collected
Summarizing what is typical of a set of data

Investigation 2—Landmarks in the Data

Inventing ways to compare and represent two sets of data by describing the shape of the data and what’s typical of the data
Finding the median in a set of data arranged in numerical order (e.g., when students line up in order by height)
Finding the median in a set of data grouped by frequency (e.g., on a line plot or other graph)
Using the median to describe a set of data and to compare one data set to another

Investigation 3—A Data Project: Investigating Sleep

Undertaking a complete data analysis project, from defining a question to publishing results
Carrying out all the stages of a data analysis investigation
Choosing and refining a research question
Viewing the data in several different ways, using quick sketches and other representations to organize and display the data

Tips For Helping At Home

Questions To Ask:
What is the problem about? Tell me in your own words.
What did you do in class to get started?
Can you solve a simpler version of the problem?
What have you already tried? What steps did you take?
Did you show all of your work?
Does the answer make sense?
How do you know your answer is correct?

Helping At Home

Your child may ask you questions as part of his or her data collection in this unit. Give your full attention to these questions and help your child record your answers since they will be the basis of work in class.
You will find many opportunities to examine data around your home. Which color or make of car is the most common on your street? Do more households in your neighborhood have a dog or a cat? After a while, collecting and thinking about data can become a habit you and your child share.

Vocabulary Terms

Data: A collection of information

Line Plot: A number line with data individually represented above corresponding numbers

Median: A measure of central tendency, the exact middle of the data when all the data are put in order

Outlier: A piece of data that has an unusual value

Range: Value of the difference between the lowest and highest piece of numerical data

Representation: A graph, picture or chart showing the data that was collected

Shape of Data: The outline or shape that data makes on a line plot or graph

Statistics: The study of data

Typical: Average, central for a data set