Unit Plan 30 (Grade 6 Math): Summarizing Data Sets in Context

Focus: Write statistical summaries that include number of observations, context/attribute & units, measures of center/variability, shape & outliers, and measure-choice reasoning.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Mathematics (Statistics & Probability — Statistical Summaries)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week students turn data into clear statistical summaries. They practice writing short, audience-ready paragraphs that identify the number of observations (n), describe the attribute measured and how/with what units it was measured, report measures of center (mean/median) and variability (MAD/IQR), describe shape and any outliers, and justify why certain measures were chosen—always tying conclusions back to the context and noting limitations.

Essential Questions

• What belongs in a complete statistical summary?
• How do context and units ground our interpretation of numbers?
• When should I use median/IQR instead of mean/MAD, and how do I explain that choice?
• How do I write cautious, accurate conclusions that match the question and data?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and include number of observations (n) in a written summary.
2. Describe the attribute measured and how it was measured, including units and any collection notes.
3. Compute/report mean/median and MAD/IQR; describe shape (clusters, gaps, peaks, skew) and outliers.
4. Relate measure choice to distribution (e.g., prefer median/IQR for skew/outliers; mean/MAD for fairly symmetric data).
5. Write a concise statistical summary that answers the question, includes limitations, and uses cautious language.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6

• 6.SP.5a: Report the number of observations.
• 6.SP.5b: Describe the nature of the attribute measured and how it was measured (including units).
• 6.SP.5c: Give quantitative measures of center and variability and describe patterns/deviations (shape, outliers) in context.
• 6.SP.5d: Relate choices of measures of center and variability to the shape of the data and the context.
• 6.SP.5e: Compose a coherent summary statement that answers the statistical question and notes limitations (sample size, measurement error).
• Mathematical Practices emphasized: MP.1 (make sense), MP.3 (justify), MP.4 (model), MP.6 (precision), MP.7 (structure).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can state n (how many data points) in my summary.
• I can name the attribute and units, and say how we measured it.
• I can report mean/median and MAD/IQR and describe shape & outliers.
• I can explain why I chose median/IQR or mean/MAD.
• I can answer the question with a cautious conclusion and list limitations.