Statistics — Mean, Median, Mode

Statistics summarizes. Mean averages; median finds middle; mode finds most common. Each tells a different truth. Indirect aim: data literacy, preparation for science, critical news reading.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Operations
• Level: Ages 7-9

Objectives

• Compute mean, median, mode for a data set
• Recognize when each is appropriate
• Construct bar graph and pictograph
• Interpret real data

Materials

• Data set of class measurements (heights, shoe sizes)
• Graph paper
• Calculator
• Newspaper with infographics

Instructions

1. Collect class shoe sizes. 2. Mean: sum ÷ count. 3. Median: sort, take middle. 4. Mode: most frequent. 5. When to use each? Income: median (mean skewed by billionaires). Shoe size: mode (discrete). 6. Construct bar graph. 7. Interpret a news infographic. 8. Notice: statistics can mislead.

Educator tip

Show how mean vs median differ with skewed data (one billionaire skews mean, not median).

Assessment

Observe correct computation, graph construction, and critical interpretation.

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• Geometric Proofs — Simple Theorems
• Exponents — Laws and Applications
• Data Collection and Analysis Project
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