Unit 8, Lesson 17
Using Box Plots
Grade 6
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students use box plots to make sense of data in context (MP2), compare distributions, and answer statistical questions about a situation.
Students compare box plots for distributions that have the same median but different IQRs, as well as box plots with the same IQRs but different medians. They recognize and articulate that the centers are the same but the spreads are different in the first case, and that the centers are different but the spreads are the same in the second case. They use this understanding to compare typical members of different groups in terms of the context of the problem (MP2).
- Compare and contrast (orally and in writing) box plots that represent different data sets, including ones with the same median but very different IQRs and vice versa.
- Determine what information is needed to solve problems about comparing box plots. Ask questions to elicit that information.
- Interpret a box plot to answer (orally) statistical questions about a data set.
Let's use box plots to make comparisons.
Required Preparation
Provide access to straightedges for drawing box plots. Consider creating a few paper planes of different sizes or styles to fly for the “Paper Planes” activity.