Unit 8, Lesson 8
Describing Distributions on Histograms
Grade 6
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students explore various shapes and features of a distribution displayed in a histogram. They use the structure (MP7) to look for symmetry, peaks, clusters, gaps, and any unusual values in histograms. Students also begin to consider how features such as symmetry might affect how we characterize a data set. This work is informal, but helps to prepare students to better understand measures of center and spread later in the unit. In this lesson, students also distinguish between the uses and construction of bar graphs and histograms.
- Compare and contrast (orally) bar graphs and histograms, recognizing that descriptions of shape, center, and spread don’t pertain to bar graphs.
- Describe (orally and in writing) the overall shape and features of a distribution represented on a histogram, including peaks, clusters, gaps, and symmetry.
- Identify histograms that display distributions with specific features.
Let's describe distributions displayed in histograms.
Required Materials
Activity 2
Required Preparation
The "Getting to School" activity requires students to use data previously collected on their travel methods and times. Organize the data into the tables in the blackline master ahead of time or allow time for students to do it themselves. Either make a copy for every 2 students, or display the completed tables for all to see during the activity.