Mathematics Curriculum Guide
Statistics and Probability
Grade 6 In the Area of: Statistics & Probability |
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| Define statistics and give examples.
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Introduce terms:
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Bring in samples of statistics from newspaper to share with class. | Write paragraphs describing the application and usefulness of statistics. | - Transition Math. - Chi Square, Pie Charts and Me. |
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Grade 6 In the Area of: Statistics & Probability |
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| 2
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| Give examples of range, mode, mean,
median of a group of numbers.
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Encourage students to note and explain the effect of outlying
numbers on their statistics.
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Given a strip of adding machine tape about 2.5 meters long,
students will mark on it the height of each person in their group. Without using a
measuring tape, they will then mark or fold the paper to show the mean an median heights.
The group must explain and justify their choices to the class. Groups compare and contrast
their finding.
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Given a set of data, students find mean, median and mode. they then supply additional data for the set to fulfill a task such as changing the mean without changing the median. | The teacher provides a visual showing Michael Jordan's
height. Students repeat the exercises as if Michael were in their group. How did this
affect their statistics? What if Sox the cat joined their group? What about both Michael
and Sox?
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- Mathematics Activities - Dolan, et. al., pp.
180-183. - How to Lie With Statistics- Huff. |
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Grade 6 In the Area of: Statistics & Probability |
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| 3
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| Create, develop other graphing and
diagramming techniques: circle, tree, stem and leaf.
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Introduce computer software like Tom Snyder's Graph Club,
TableTop or Claris Works.
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Students design and conduct surveys of classmates. They then choose at least two types of graphs to use in presenting their data. | See Extensions. | Students analyze their data and write a journal entry on
which graph best illustrates their results which best supports their analysis.
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Multiple Intelligences in the Mathematics Classroom - Hope Martin, pp. 185-190. | |
Grade 6 In the Area of: Statistics & Probability |
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| 4
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| Interpret, explain data from tables and various graphs in both written and oral presentation modes. | Instruct students to graph a simple set of data as homework, leaving students to decide how they will present the data. Collect results. Begin by displaying several line graphs. | Students give initial impressions based on superficial examination of graphs. Do some presentations make increases/decreases appear to be more dramatic? Why? Examine ranges and scales used and their effect on appearance. | Students produce a graph designed to be useful in a given situation and explain their choice of graph type, range, scale, graphics, etc. | Given a hypothetical set of data on water pollution
downstream from a factor, each student prepares and presents two graphs - one for use by
the factory president in assuring residents that factory emissions have a minimal effect
on the river; a second for use by an environmentalist trying to force the factory to
reduce emissions.
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How to Lie With Statistics.
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Grade 6 In the Area of: Statistics & Probability |
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| 5
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| Predict, explain an experiment's
outcome using both the actual and theoretical probabilities.
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Encourage students to explain why certain sums appear more
frequently than others. Present samples with differing results and encourage discussion on
this.
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Students will be conducting an experiment in which they will
roll a pair of dice 25 times. In preparation they predict the sums they will roll and
their frequencies. Students conduct the experiments, record their data, graph it, and
attempt to explain the results. they then compute the theoretical frequency of each sum
and compare it to their own data.
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Compile class data for the experiment and compare it to the data for individuals and to theoretical data. Discuss sample size and its importance in research where theoretical probability is not available. | Multiple Intelligences in the Mathematics Classroom - Hope Martin, pp. 197-204. | ||
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