Mathematics Grade 6
Educational Links

Strand: STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (6.SP)

Develop understanding of statistical variability of data (Standards 6.SP.1-3). Summarize and describe distributions (Standards 6.SP.4-5).

Standard 6.SP.4

Display numerical data in plots on a number line, including dot plots, histograms, and box plots. Choose the most appropriate graph/plot for the data collected.

• Average Number of Siblings
  The goal of this task is to compare the mean and median in a context where the data is slightly skewed to the right.
• Box Plot and Five Number Summaries
  An understanding of the terms minimum, maximum, median, and quartiles is the focus of this lesson. Students first use the interactive to compare different representations, then learn how to create a visual representation of data. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Box Plots
  By completing this lesson students will understand the concept of median, quartiles, and how to build a box plot.
• Chapter 4 - Mathematical Foundations (UMSMP)
  This is Chapter 4 of the Utah Middle School Math: Grade 6 textbook. It provides a Mathematical Foundation for Fluency.
• Chapter 4 - Student Workbook (UMSMP)
  This is Chapter 4 of the Utah Middle School Math: Grade 6 student workbook. It covers the following topics: Statistics.
• Comparing A Stem and Leaf Plot, Histogram, and Frequency Table
  This lesson is all about the different ways to represent data. Students then practice creating various representations when given data. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Comparing Test Scores
  The goal of this task is to critically compare the center and spread of two data sets.
• Describing Distributions
  In this task, students are asked to describe data distributions in terms of center, spread and overall shape and to also compare data distributions in terms of center and spread by selecting which of two distributions has a greater center and which has a greater spread.
• Describing Distributions: New Balance
  Using the shoe company New Balance, this video takes a look at how the company uses statistical data to plan what to produce and sell. Students then discuss how data can be applied in real world situation. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Gathering Data for a Line Plot
  Two interactives are used in this lesson and both involve counting raisins in boxes and then plotting a graph. Students extend their understanding of mean, median, mode, and range after creating line plots in the classroom activity. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Grade 6 Unit 6: Statistics (Georgia Standards)
  In this unit students will: Analyze data from many different sources such as organized lists, box-plots, bar graphs, histograms and dot plots. Understand that responses to statistical questions may vary. Understand that data can be described by a single number. Determine quantitative measures of center (median and/or mean). Determine quantitative measures of variability (interquartile range and range).
• How Long Is a Minute?
  This activity is designed to give students an understanding of arithmetic mean, median, and range of data sets. They practice using a virtual stopwatch in the interactive to estimate how long a minute is. They collect the data from repeat guesses and use that in the activity. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Make a Stem and Leaf Plot
  Students use data values to create stem and leaf plots with this interactive. This is further explored in the classroom activity which also asks students to interpret data to answer a question. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Math Task: The Missing Words
  Math Task Overview: Students should be able to explain a reasonable strategy for determining the number of missing words. They should accurately compute the mean and range, and select an appropriate graph for displaying the data. Students will explore the concepts of variability and distribution of a data set.
• Pie Chart
  Students enter values in this applet and create pie charts in which they can vary the number or size of sections and display as fractions or percentages.
• Puppy Weights
  Given the weights of puppies, the student is asked to draw a graph summarizing the varying weights, describe the distribution of the weights, and determine the typical weight of a puppy born in the location.
• Puzzle Times
  This is a simple task designed to assess students ability to construct a dot plot and to calculate and compare measures of center.
• Real-World Data Sets: Low- and High-Paying Jobs
  Infographics with data about the highest and lowest paying jobs in the U.S. is the basis of this lesson. Students examine the data to find the disparity between the high and low rates and create box plots to represent the data. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Responses to a Court Verdict: Analyzing Samples to Gain Understanding
  The infographic basis of this activity pulls the Trayvon Martin case out of the headlines to examine the data collected from a poll about the case. The students need to analyze the responses to conclude whether the results fall along racial lines. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• Statistics and Probability (6.SP) - 6th Grade Core Guide
  The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and educators around the state of Utah developed these guides for Mathematics Grade 6 - Statistics and Probability.
• Student Task: Candy Bars
  In this task, students analyze a survey to decide how many candy bars students typically eat in a week.
• Student Task: Suzi's Company
  In this task, students must help Suzi figure out the annual salary bill for her company and check some statistics about rates of pay.
• Summarize Numerical Data Sets Using Venn Diagrams
  The 3 videos in this lesson teach students about Venn diagrams: ones with 2 circles; those with 3 circles; and those with a circle within a circle. Students then apply their understanding to activities where they have to represent certain things, such as students' clothing colors, with a Venn diagram. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
• The Bell Curve
  This lesson and activity introduces the student to the concept of the Bell Curve and distribution.
• The Median: Salary.com
  By looking at the data on the website Salary.com students will understand the application of quartiles and percentiles to understand and compare salaries. In the activity students use data set about salaries to create box plots and look at pay differentials. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.

---

http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Lindsey  Henderson and see the Mathematics - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.