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Mathematics · Grade 6

Statistical Questions and Distributions

Learners tell statistical questions, whose answers vary, from questions with one answer. They describe distributions in dot plots by center, spread and shape, build and read histograms with equal intervals, and summarize data with a five-number summary and a box plot.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 86 minutes
  • Statistical questions and distributions check: 10 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, type a fraction, match pairs, type a number and place on a number line
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Recognize a statistical question as one that anticipates variability in the data, and turn non-statistical questions into statistical ones.
  • Describe a distribution shown in a dot plot by its center, spread and overall shape, including peaks, clusters, gaps, outliers, symmetry and skew.
  • Make and read histograms with equal intervals, and explain what a histogram shows and what it hides.
  • Find the five-number summary of a data set, read a box plot, and explain that a measure of center and a measure of variation each summarize a data set with one number.

Lessons

  1. Statistical questions 7 steps4 practiceabout 18 min
  2. Dot plots: center, spread and shape 8 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  3. Histograms 8 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  4. Five-number summaries and box plots 9 steps6 practiceabout 24 min
  5. Statistical questions and distributions check 10 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Number-Line HopHelp the frog hop to the right number — from counting to negative fractions.
  • Fraction BridgesSaw planks into equal parts, paint fractions, build bridges that match and lay planks end to end to add.
  • Ratio KitchenScale recipes, fill ratio tables and find the better buy.

More 6th grade math

Guide for grown-ups