Unit 1: Statistics & Data

Unit 1 consists of a single standard that represents the big idea, two-way frequency tables.  The remaining standards for statistics and data in 8th grade are related to applying linear functions as students find & interpret the line of best fit from a scatter plot, big ideas found in Unit 5.   By involving students in the choice of statistical questions centered around their interests, this unit provides an excellent way for the students, and the teacher, to get to know one another.  In addition, there is an opportunity to embed the examination of diagnostic data from the first part of the school year if students or the teacher represent it in two-way frequency tables.

By involving students in the choice of statistical questions centered around their interests, this unit provides an excellent way for the students and the teacher to get to know one another.  Including the teacher in some data sets may introduce the idea of an outlier.  It is also a chance to gauge & intervene with students' number operations skills.   Calculator use helps students focus on the statistics rather than the calculations; although, some simple calculations can be a chance to formatively assess and reengage with number operations learned in elementary school.  DESMOS calculators are provided for these types of problems on SBAC.  Placing this unit first also allows for statistical application problems throughout the year wherever they may be appropriate.