Unit 8, Lesson 3
Interpreting Histograms
Accelerated 6
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students are introduced to histograms. They learn that, like a dot plot, a histogram can be used to show the distribution of a numerical data set, but unlike a dot plot, a histogram shows the frequencies of groups of values, rather than individual values. Students analyze the structures of dot plots and histograms displaying the same data sets and determine what information is easier to understand from each type of display (MP7). Students read and interpret histograms in context (MP2) to prepare them to create a histogram.
Then students create, read, and interpret histograms in situations (MP2). They characterize the distribution displayed in a histogram in terms of its shape and spread, and identify a measurement that is typical for the data set by looking for the center in a histogram (MP7). Students also use histograms to make comparisons and to better understand what different spreads and values of center mean in a given context.
- Compare and contrast (in writing) histograms that represent two different data sets measuring the same quantity.
- Describe (orally and in writing) the distribution shown on a histogram, including making claims about the center and spread.
- Interpret a histogram to answer (in writing) statistical questions about a data set.
Let's explore how histograms represent data sets.
Required Preparation
None
A histogram is a way to represent data on a number line with bars. Data values are grouped by ranges. The height of each bar shows how many data values are in that range. Each bar includes the left-end value but not the right-end value.