Unit 8, Lesson 10
Finding and Interpreting the Mean as the Balance Point
Grade 6
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students use the structure of the data (MP7) to interpret the mean as the balance point of a numerical distribution. They calculate how far away each data point is from the mean and recognize that the distances on either side of the mean have the same sum.
Students connect this interpretation to why we call the mean a measure of the center of a distribution and, through this interpretation, begin to see how the mean is useful in characterizing a typical value for the group. Students continue to practice calculating the mean of a data set (MP8) and interpreting it in context (MP2).
- Calculate and interpret (orally and in writing) distances between data points and the mean of the data set.
- Interpret diagrams that represent the mean as a “balance point” for both symmetrical and non-symmetrical distributions.
- Represent the mean of a data set on a dot plot and interpret it in the context of the situation.
Let's look at another way to understand the mean of a data set.
Required Preparation
None