Data Management
Mean, Median, Mode, Range
Mean: the average number
Median: the middle number
Mode: the number the occurs most often
Range: the difference between the largest and smallest number
This week, we covered the data management unit of math. This week our class was in a different environment. We weren't in our normal math classroom where we had access to all our math supplies. This week, math class took place in the computer lab. Our class opened up with stem and leaf plots, based on an estimation of how many oreos fit inside of the jar. Some guesses were repeated (mode), and we were told that our median (based on our guesses) was not accurate to the actual amount of oreos in the jar, which was actually close to one of our outlier guesses.
Evan-Amos. (February 19 2011). Double-Stuf Oreos, by Nabisco. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Double-Stuf-Oreos.jpg
In addition, we were told to each select a set of 3 consecutive numbers. From there, we had to determine what our mean was. We repeated the same task for 4, 5, and 6 consecutive numbers. These were my results:
22 + 23 + 24 = 69 / 3 = 23
28 + 29 + 30 + 31 = 118 / 4 = 29.5
22 + 23 + 24 + 25 + 26 = 120 / 5 = 24
28 + 29 + 30 + 31 + 32 + 33 = 183 / 6 = 30.5
Based on my results, I found my mean and median to be the same. I believe that the fact that the numbers were all consecutive is the reason for these results.
A resource that we learned about this week is Tinkerplots, which is a software made for elementary schools. It allows for us to create statistics with students because it provides us with a lot of the work completed for us. Whether you want to utilize samples or your own findings, you can use this software for both. Some of the resources that this software offers teachers are:
- instructional movies
- teacher friendly tutorials (teachers can try these out at home before using it as part of their teaching lesson)
- free activities
- free resources
You can utilize this software in the computer lab, and set the students up into sections. If you do not work at an elementary school, you still have access to this software if you purchase it. If you own the software, you can print things to bring into your classroom for your students. The nice thing about this software is that it is a one time fee for life. If you want to access the Website, please visit:
It is worth noting that you can use this site for other mathematical strands if they deal with patterns.
Furthermore, one of the math Great Games we were supposed to explore this week was "Probability Games". For anyone who tried to access this game, you too would have been redirected to a different site. If you explore the Website that the link takes you to, you will notice that you can choose games based on what area of math you want to explore, as well as which grade level. If you want to explore this great resource now, or refer back to it for future reference, please visit the following link:
Lastly, two of the three presentations this week used "Gizmos". I have never used this online resource before but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thankfully the presenters had everything set up for us so that we didn't have to create an account. This is a resource that I would definitely like to learn how to create lessons on, as a future educator, so that I may utilize this resource in my future math lessons on occasion.
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