Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I have been super busy with the semester starting, unpacking, and doctors appointments. So far Baby Anderson is doing really well. Growing like a weed. :)
For this post I wanted to share a lesson that I taught. It is set for 5th grade and teaches students the mean, median, mode, and range of a data set.
Here are the standards for Tennessee:
Math
State Standard
GLE 0506.5.2 Describe the
shape and important features of a set of data using the measures of central
tendency.
SPI 0506.5.1 Calculate
measures of central tendency to analyze data.
(Check for understanding) 0506.5.5 Evaluate how different measures of central tendency describe data.
Math
Common Core Standard
CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.B.2 Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements
Language
Arts Common Core Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.7 Draw on information
from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an
answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently
I introduced the lesson by telling the students that we were learning about mean, median, mode, and range. I also had students say the "I CAN" statement. "I can determine the mean, median, mode, and range of a data set." Having students say the "I CAN" statement lets them know what they are expected to learn from the lesson.
Then I showed the students a video I had made from goanimate.com if you have the one from brainpop.com it is really good too, but I don't have a membership currently so I improvised and made my own.
Here it is...
Mean, Median, Mode, and Range Video :)
Next, I had the students make graphic organizers for the terms and examples. To help the students with the definitions I created a simple PowerPoint for the students to write from, last year when I taught it I used the "elmo" to project the definitions onto the board.
Here are some pictures of them :)
Then you will want to work out examples for the students and have the students work out some problems.
Now... the moment you have all been waiting for... The SUPER FUN ACTIVITY!!!!
I have two different activities that you could do for this lesson. I have taught it both ways and the students love it either way.
Activity Option #1 Throwing a paper ball :)
Materials: Paper, Paper for a paper ball, Pencils, tape measures.
1. The teacher will let students know that they will be going outside in groups to throw a paper ball. There the students will be recording each other’s distance for data.
2. The students will be broken up into groups of 4 or 5.
3.The teacher will instruct the students to have one person in the group throw while one is recording the data and the other measures with a measuring tape and the students will take turns until each person has been able to throw.
4.When outside the students will throw their paper balls and they will have to measure the distance in feet how far they are thrown.
5. The students will come
back inside after collecting their data.
6. Keep the students in their groups.
7. The teacher will remind
the students what the meaning of median, mode, and range is.
8. Next have the students find the mean, median, mode, and range of their group's data.
9. Have each group come up and write their data. You as the teacher can really see where each student is at by questioning individual students how they got their answer.
10. Relate this to a line plot and maybe have the students make
Activity Option #2 Running :)
Materials: Paper, Pencils, watches, or stopwatches.
Pretty much this activity is exactly the same as the throwing activity except you have the students run a certain distance and record the the data.
The students I did this activity with absolutely LOVED it!
Relate this to a line plot and maybe have the students make
For the conclusion I gave the students a homework sheet that I found just by googling worksheets for mean, median, mode, and range. This way you can document the student's learning and see if there is any gaps in their understanding.
As an extensions or next day lesson, a thing to do is to relate this to a line plot and have the students make and label a line plot with their distances/times.
I hope you enjoy this lesson!
References:
Hume, Helen D. The Art Teacher’s Survival Guide for
Elementary and Middle Schools. 2nd edition. San Francisco: John Wiley &
Son Inc.pp.236-238
Marzano, Robert J. (2013). Students Who Challenge Us. “Art and
Science of Teaching/The Many Uses of Exit Slips.” Volume 70. Web.
Retrieved
on 7
April 2013. From http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct12/vol70/num02/The-Many-Uses-of-Exit-Slips.aspx
McLeod, Saul. (2007). Lev
Vygotsky. Simply Psychology. Retrieved on 7 April 2013. From
Gardner, Howard. The Nine
Types of Intelligences. Retrieved on
7 April 2013. From
