The mathematical purpose of this lesson is for students to recall how to calculate measures of centers and variability from their work in middle grades, including mean, median, mean absolute deviation (MAD), and interquartile range (IQR). In the associated optional Algebra 1 lesson, students are given the opportunity to recall how to calculate the interquartile range and mean absolute deviation. 

This lesson connects to upcoming work, because students will interpret data using measures of center and measures of variability throughout the unit, so it is important they understand what these statistics mean. This lesson also helps students to compare and contrast data sets using measures of center and measures of variability in a future lesson. Students look for and make use of structure during the Math Talk and construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others (MP3) as they discuss their work with partners during the row game.