options: Interpret differences in shape, center, and spread in the context of the data sets, accounting for possible effects of extreme data points (outliers).

Use statistics appropriate to the shape of the data distribution to compare center (median, mean) and spread (interquartile range, standard deviation) of two or more different data sets.

Represent data with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and box plots).

Use the mean and standard deviation of a data set to fit it to a normal distribution and to estimate population percentages. Recognize that there are data sets for which such a procedure is not appropriate. Use calculators, spreadsheets, and tables to estimate areas under the normal curve.
problem_activity: Activity
The goal of this activity is for students to learn how to calculate
standard deviation
(
\(\sigma\)
or
\(\sigma_x\)
) using technology. Standard deviation is a measure of variability. The work in this activity prepares students to be successful in a future Algebra 1 lesson when they have to calculate the standard deviation of data sets.
Launch
Allow students to work individually. If technology is limited, students can work in pairs. Provide access to devices that can run GeoGebra or other statistical technology. Demonstrate how to use the technology available in your classroom to compute the standard deviation of a data set. For the purposes of exploration, use the population standard deviation, often denoted
\(\sigma\)
or
\(\sigma_x\)
.
Student Facing
[IMG]
Movie A ratings on a 10 point scale:
9, 8, 10, 10, 7, 1, 8, 1, 2, 8
Movie B ratings on a 10 point scale:
9, 8, 8, 7, 9, 7, 7, 9, 7, 8
Restaurant A ratings on a 100 point scale:
88, 87, 89, 90, 87, 85, 88, 91, 86, 86, 88, 89
Restaurant B ratings on a 100 point scale:
90, 65, 89, 50, 94, 93, 95, 95, 75, 70, 88, 89
Calculate the mean and standard deviation for each data set.
Based on these statistics, which movie and restaurant would you choose? Explain your reasoning.
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
Select students to share their solutions. Ask students how the standard deviation influenced their preferred movie and restaurants.


correct_option_index: 0

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