Lesson 17

In the previous lesson, students analyzed a dot plot and a box plot in order to study the distribution of a data set. They saw that, while the box plot summarizes the distribution of the data and highlights some key measures, it was not possible to know all the data values of the distribution from the dot plot alone. In this lesson, students use box plots to make sense of the data in context (MP2), compare distributions, and answer statistical questions about them.

Students compare box plots for distributions that have the same median but different IQRs, as well as box plots with the same IQRs but different medians. They recognize and articulate that the centers are the same but the spreads are different in the first case, and the centers are different but the spreads are the same in the second case. They use this understanding to compare typical members of different groups in terms of the context of the problem (MP2).

Print and cut up slips from the Sea Turtles Info Gap blackline master.  Prepare 1 set for every 2 students. Provide access to straightedges for drawing box plots. Consider creating a few paper planes of different sizes or styles to fly for the Paper Planes activity.