Algebra II/Unit 4/Lesson Seed / Normal Distributions – Example of Normal Data

MSDE Mathematics Lesson Seed

Domain
·  Interpreting Categorical and Quantitative Data
Cluster Statement
·  Summarize, represent, and interpret data on a single count or measurement variable
Standard
·  S.ID.4 Use the mean and standard deviation of a data set to fit it to a normal distribution and to estimate population percentages. Recognize that there are data sets for which such a procedure is not appropriate. Use calculators, spreadsheets, and tables to estimate areas under the normal curve. (additional)
Purpose/Big Idea
Students will have a real world example of a normal distribution.
Materials:
·  Stopwatch
·  Data Collection Sheet
·  Graph Paper
·  Sticky notes or sticky dots (8 per pair of students)
Description of how to use the activity:
·  Arrange students in pairs.
·  Distribute the following materials to each pair of students:
o  data collection sheet
o  stopwatch
o  8 sticky notes.
·  Instruct one student in each pair use the stopwatch.
·  Instruct the second student in each pair to guess when 30 seconds has elapsed.
·  After the guess the student with the stopwatch will record the actual time elapsed.
·  The pair should repeat this process a total of 4 times.
·  Have students switch roles and repeat the activity.
·  When each group has collected their eight data points, compile the data by having each group show how many seconds actually elapsed on each guess by placing 8 sticky dots/notes with one piece of data on a large dot plot on the board.
·  When complete, have students create a report on their process and overall trend of the graph.
Guiding Questions:
For your report:
·  What were you asked to do for this activity?
·  Could you describe the shape of the data collected?
·  Why do you think the data came out the way it did?
·  Justify your response.

A similar activity is found at http://www.amstat.org/education/stew/pdfs/HowLongis30Seconds.pdf

Data Collection Sheet

Directions:

·  Student 2 sets the timer for 30 seconds

·  Student 2 tells Student 1 to begin estimating when 30 seconds have passed as the start button on the timer is hit.

·  Student 1 says stop when he/she believes that 30 seconds have passed.

·  Student 2 looks at the stopwatch to see how many seconds have actually elapsed and records this time in the table below.

The number of seconds that actually pass when trying to guess when 30 seconds have elapsed.
Guess / Student 1 / Student 2
1
2
3
4

January 2014 Page 3 of 3

Algebra II/Unit 4/Lesson Seed / Normal Distributions – Example of Normal Data

Dot Plot

January 2014 Page 3 of 3