MA.6.DP.1.5

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Create box plots and histograms to represent sets of numerical data within real-world contexts.

Examples

The numerical data set {15,0,32,24,0,17,42,0,29,120,0,20}, collected based on minutes spent on homework, can be represented graphically using a box plot.

Clarifications

Clarification 1: Instruction includes collecting data and discussing ways to collect truthful data to construct graphical representations.

Clarification 2: Within this benchmark, it is the expectation to use appropriate titles, labels, scales and units when constructing graphical representations.

Clarification 3: Numerical data is limited to positive rational numbers.

General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 6
Strand: Data Analysis and Probability
Standard: Develop an understanding of statistics and determine measures of center and measures of variability. Summarize statistical distributions graphically and numerically.
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1205010: M/J Grade 6 Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1205020: M/J Accelerated Mathematics Grade 6 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2020, 2020 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1204000: M/J Foundational Skills in Mathematics 6-8 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7812015: Access M/J Grade 6 Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
MA.6.DP.1.AP.5: Create histograms to represent sets of numerical data with 10 or fewer elements.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Formative Assessments

Shark Attack Data:

Students are asked to construct a box plot corresponding to a given set of data.

Type: Formative Assessment

Basketball Histogram:

Students are asked to construct a histogram corresponding to a given set of data.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plan

The Penny Lab:

Students will design an investigation to collect and analyze data, determine results, write a justification and make a presentation using U.S. pennies.

Paired student teams will determine the mass of 50 U.S. pennies. Students will also collect other data from each penny such as minted year and observable appearance. Students will be expected to organize/represent their data into tables, histograms and other informational structures appropriate for reporting all data for each penny. Students will be expected to consider the data, determine trends, and research information in order to make a claim that explains trends in data from minted U.S. pennies.

Hopefully, student data reports will support the knowledge that the metallic composition of the penny has changed over the years. Different compositions can have significantly different masses. A sufficiently random selection of hundreds of pennies across the class should allow the students to discover trends in the data to suggest the years in which the composition changed.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

Castles, Catapults and Data: Histograms Part 1:

Learn how to create a histogram to display continuous data from projectiles launched by a catapult in this interactive tutorial. 

This is part 1 in a 2-part series. Click HERE to open part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

It's Raining....Cats and Dogs:

Learn how to make and interpret boxplots in this pet-themed, interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Perspectives Video: Expert

Histograms Show Trends in Fisheries Data Over Time:

NOAA Fishery management relies on histograms to show patterns and trends over time of fishery data.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiasts

Normal? Non-Normal Distributions & Oceanography:

What does it mean to be normally distributed?  What do oceanographers do when the collected data is not normally distributed? 

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Graphs Help Identify Cost-Effective Sea Turtle Conservation Strategies:

This marine biologist discusses her use of graphical representations to help determine the most cost-effective management strategies for sea turtle conservation.

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Teaching Ideas

Pump Up the Volume:

This activity is a statistical analysis of recorded measurements of a single value - in this case, a partially filled graduated cylinder.

Type: Teaching Idea

Communicating about Numbers-SeaWorld Classroom Activity:

Students communicate mathematical ideas and visually represent ideas by constructing charts, graphs, and scale drawings based on information cards about various marine animals.

Type: Teaching Idea

Tutorials

Constructing a Box Plot:

This video demonstrates how to construct a box plot, formerly known as a box and whisker plot.

Type: Tutorial

Histograms:

Learn how to create histograms, which summarize data by sorting it into groups.

Type: Tutorial

MFAS Formative Assessments

Basketball Histogram:

Students are asked to construct a histogram corresponding to a given set of data.

Shark Attack Data:

Students are asked to construct a box plot corresponding to a given set of data.

Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades 6-8

Castles, Catapults and Data: Histograms Part 1:

Learn how to create a histogram to display continuous data from projectiles launched by a catapult in this interactive tutorial. 

This is part 1 in a 2-part series. Click HERE to open part 2.

It's Raining....Cats and Dogs:

Learn how to make and interpret boxplots in this pet-themed, interactive tutorial.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

Castles, Catapults and Data: Histograms Part 1:

Learn how to create a histogram to display continuous data from projectiles launched by a catapult in this interactive tutorial. 

This is part 1 in a 2-part series. Click HERE to open part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

It's Raining....Cats and Dogs:

Learn how to make and interpret boxplots in this pet-themed, interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Tutorials

Constructing a Box Plot:

This video demonstrates how to construct a box plot, formerly known as a box and whisker plot.

Type: Tutorial

Histograms:

Learn how to create histograms, which summarize data by sorting it into groups.

Type: Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.