Lesson plan

9. Compare two populations using the median and interquartile range (IQR) (FP)

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teaches Common Core State Standards CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.3 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/7/NS/A/3
teaches Common Core State Standards CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.B.3 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/7/SP/B/3
teaches Common Core State Standards CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP4
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Lesson objective: Compare two populations using the median and interquartile range (IQR).

Students bring prior knowledge of displaying numerical data in plots on a number line, including dot plots, histograms, and box plots from 6.SP.B.4. This prior knowledge is extended to a visual and numerical understanding of data as students compare data from two populations. A conceptual challenge students may encounter is comparing data from one population to another at a singular point instead of comparing the measures of center and variability of the two populations. 

The concept is developed through work with dot plots and box plots, which allow for a visual understanding and comparison of multiple populations.

This work helps students deepen their understanding of operations because they are challenged to compute measures of center and variability to provide a more detailed understanding of data.

Students engage in Mathematical Practice 4 (model with mathematics) as they utilize different forms of visual representations to more deeply analyze data of two populations.

Key vocabulary:

  • mean
  • median
  • mean absolute deviation (MAD)
  • interquartile range (IQR)
  • box plot
  • dot plot

Special materials needed:

  • None
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