Lesson 8

In this lesson, students explore various shapes and features of a distribution displayed in a histogram. They use the structure (MP7) to look for symmetry, peaks, clusters, gaps, and any unusual values in histograms. Students also begin to consider how these features might affect how we characterize a data set. For example, how might we describe what is typical in a distribution that shows symmetry? What about in a distribution that has one peak that is not symmetrical? This work is informal, but helps to prepare students to better understand measures of center and spread later in the unit. Students also distinguish between the uses and construction of bar graphs and histograms in this lesson. 

Print and cut up cards from the Sorting Histograms blackline master.  Prepare 1 set of cards for every 3–4 students.

The Getting to School activity requires students to use data previously collected on their travel methods and times. Organize the data into the tables in the blackline master ahead of time or allow time for students to do it themselves. Either make a copy for every 2 students, or display the completed tables for all to see during the activity.