Introduction
You’re talking with your classmates, and you’re interested in how the class did on the last test. You all give your test grades and begin comparing them. As you’re looking at them, you realize that the numbers aren’t that easy to work with. Someone suggests using the measures of central tendency to get a better representation. This is a WebQuest to get everyone familiar with the concept of measures of central tendency!
Task
Your task is to go through this WebQuest with a partner, and use the websites provided to answer questions regarding the measures of central tendency. You will need to provide the answer and an explanation (steps showing your work if applicable) of how you came to that answer. Each partner will have their own submission.
Process
Step 1: What do you think the measures of central tendency are? Write 1-2 sentences briefly explaining.
Step 2: Watch the following video describing mean, median, mode, and range. Make sure to take notes of what each means and how to calculate them.
Mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7u0Zrra060&list=PLiT3pCvK_cfVu9T-DMohC8-uzskKmgxeu&index=2
Mode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xObCUytIVMo&list=PLiT3pCvK_cfVu9T-DMohC8-uzskKmgxeu&index=3
Range: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HS1P3vhNBU&list=PLiT3pCvK_cfVu9T-DMohC8-uzskKmgxeu&index=5
Median: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qglJSIp6n7M&list=PLiT3pCvK_cfVu9T-DMohC8-uzskKmgxeu&index=6
- Take note on how to solve the median with an even number of data points and an odd number of data points.
Step 3: Now that we know what the measures are, let’s go back to the scenario of the class’s test scores. Go to the following website, and make sure your “min” range number is 1, and your “max” range number is 100. Go to the middle of the wheel and click the spin button. Spin the wheel 10 times and record each number. Click done; DO NOT CLICK REMOVE CHOICE. These numbers will represent your classmates’ test scores.
https://pickerwheel.com/tools/random-number-generator/
Step 4: Using the numbers you recorded in step 3, find the mean, median, mode, and range. Show your work.
Mean:
Median:
Mode:
Range:
What do you think these represent based off what you’ve learned so far?
Step 5: To practice more with mean, median, mode, and range, click the link and play ONE round of the following game.
https://www.abcya.com/games/mean-median-mode-range
Step 6: Watch the following video about the interquartile range. Make sure you take notes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VABsJBw1JqA
Step 7: Go back to the random number generator (link below) and get one more test grade. You should have 11 grades total now.
https://pickerwheel.com/tools/random-number-generator/
Put your numbers in ascending order and find the interquartile range with your data. Show your work.
Step 8: Go to the following website and launch the interactive lesson. Continue as guest. Read through the problems, and see if you can figure out the answer before you look at the correct answer. Then answer the 2 questions under the skill check.
Step 9: Go to the following website, read through the review on each concept, and answer the practice problems.
Step 10: Using your 11 test scores you got earlier, calculate your mean, median, mode, range, and interquartile range (which you should have already). Make sure to show your work. Then go to the following website and input your 11 test scores in the box on the top-left side of the page. Separate each number by commas and calculate them. Review the answers you got with those that the website generated and see if you got it right! (Read through the screen if you're struggling with solving any of the items; the steps are very detailed! Just ignore the other things that we haven't talked about.)
https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/statistics/mean-median-mode.php
Evaluation
- Let your partner review your WebQuest and make sure everything is completed.
- Turn your work into the tray at the front of the room.
- Talk with another group about the measures of central tendency and what confusion, if any, you have. Try to help clear the confusion! If there is still confusion, call me over, and I’ll be happy to help!
- What was your favorite part of the WebQuest?
- Least favorite?
- Was it informative and engaging? Would you want to do another?
Conclusion
Congratulations on finishing your WebQuest! Now you understand how to more easily compare test scores using the measures of central tendency! These skills can be used in your everyday life! Some examples include budgeting, health & fitness, and even study time! Make sure you keep practicing these skills by increasing the number of numbers in your data set (i.e. 15 numbers instead of 11) and use bigger numbers (i.e. 521)!