• Basic Statistical Concepts • 5

Applied Math Level 7

Let's go over a few terms first.  Statistics is a mathematical tool for analyzing data sets. Central Tendency describes a data set's central or middle position. Three common ways of describing central tendency are mean, median, and mode.  

Mean is the average number of the data set.  The median is the middle number of the data set. Mode is the number most frequently seen in the data set.  Weighted Mean- is a way to give more importance to certain numbers than others when calculating the mean.

Here are some engaging hands-on activities for adult learners to practice Basic Statistical Concepts, along with a materials list:

Hands-On Activities

1. Data Collection and Analysis
   
   

   • Activity: Participants gather real-world data (e.g., daily step counts, coffee consumption) and calculate measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode).

   • Materials:

     • Data recording sheets.

     • Pens and calculators.

2. Graphing and Visualization
   
   

   • Activity: Participants create bar graphs, histograms, and pie charts to represent workplace statistics.

   • Materials:

     • Graph paper.

     • Markers and rulers.

3. Probability and Risk Assessment
   
   

   • Activity: Participants analyze probability scenarios related to workplace decision-making (e.g., predicting sales trends).

   • Materials:

     • Probability worksheets.

     • Dice or random number generators.

4. Survey and Statistical Interpretation
   
   

   • Activity: Participants conduct a survey, analyze responses, and interpret statistical findings.

   • Materials:

     • Survey templates.

     • Spreadsheet software (optional).

5. Quality Control and Variability Analysis
   
   

   • Activity: Participants measure variations in product dimensions or workplace efficiency and analyze standard deviation.

   • Materials:

     • Sample product measurements.

     • Statistical calculation guides.

Explore more workplace math strategies here and additional adult numeracy resources here.

Materials List

• Paper: Graph paper, plain sheets, worksheets.

• Writing Tools: Pens, pencils, markers, highlighters.

• Calculators: Basic and scientific calculators.

• Scenario Cards: Pre-written real-life math problems.

• Sorting Trays: For organizing numbers and calculations.

• Survey and Data Collection Templates: Printable worksheets for statistical analysis.

• Graphing Tools: Rulers, spreadsheet software, graph paper.

These activities make basic statistical concepts practical and engaging in workplace scenarios.