standard_description: Use measures of center and measures of variability for numerical data from random samples to draw informal comparative inferences about two populations. For example, decide whether the words in a chapter of a seventh-grade science book are generally longer than the words in a chapter of a fourth-grade science book.
problem_activity: Stage 1: Any Way
Required Preparation
Materials to Gather
Collections of objects
Materials to Copy
Blackline Masters
Sort and Display Stage 1 Recording Sheet

Narrative
Students sort 10–20 objects into two or three categories and then show how they sorted. Provide students with a group of items that will be interesting for them to work with such as:
pattern blocks
connecting cubes
counters
combination of the blocks, cubes, and counters
sets of books
Students then show their representation to a partner and ask questions that can be answered about their collection of objects.
Additional Information
Create collections of 10–20 objects with up to three attributes by which to sort.


aligns: no