Box-and-Whisker Plot � displays the
median, the quartiles, and outliers of a
set of data, but does not display any
other specific values
Histogram � A graph in which the la-
bels for the bars are numer ical inter-
vals.
Population � A group of people (or ob-
jects or events) that fits a particular de-
scription
Random Sample � A sample in which
every person, object, or event in t he
populat ion has an equal chance of be-
ing selected for the sample
Sample � A number of people, objects ,
or events chosen fr om a given popula-
tion to r epresent the entire group
Stem-and-Leaf Plot � Method of or-
ganizing data from least to greatest us-
ing the digits of t he greatest place value
to group data.
Samples and Populations
Glossary
Connected Mathematics
Project
Everett Public Schools
Mathematics Program
Proposed Time Frame:
Approximately 6 weeks
Samples and Populations
Statistics
Unit Goals:
Use the process of
statistical investigat ion to
explore problem
Describe the shape of
data in a graph Distinguish between a sam ple and a population
Web Resources
More statistical lessons can
be found at:
www.illu minations.nctm.org
Tips for Helping at Home
Good questions and good listening w ill
help children make se nse of mathemat-
ics an d build self-confidence. A good
question opens up a problem and su p-
ports different ways of thinking about it.
Here are some questions you might try,
notice that none of them can be an-
swered with a simple �yes � or �no�.
Getting Started
What do you need to find ou t?
What do you need to know?
What terms do you understan d or
not understand?
While Working
How can you organize the inf orma-
tion?
Do you see any patterns or relation-
ships that w ill help solve this?
What would happen if�?
Reflecting about the Solution
How do you know your answer is
reasonable?
Has the question been answ ered?
Can you explain it another w ay?
At Home:
1 Talk with your child about
what�s going on in mathem atics
class.
2 Look for ways to link mathe-
matical learning to daily activi-
ties. Encourag e your child to
figu re out the amounts for halv-
ing a recipe, estimating gas
mileage, or figuring a restau-
rant tip.
3 Encourage y our child to sched-
ule a regular time for home-
work and provide a comfortable
place for their study , free from
distractions.
4 Monitor y our child�s home-
work on a regular basis by
looking at one problem or ask-
ing your child to briefly de-
scribe the focus of the home-
work. When your child asks
for help, work with them in-
stead of doing the problem for
them.
At School
1 Attend Open House, Back to
School Nigh t, and after school
ev ents.
2 Join the parent-teacher organi-
zation
Phone: 425 385-4062
Fax: 425 385 � 4092
Email: mstine@everett.wednet.edu
Investigation 1: Comparing Data Sets
Engage in the process of statistical investiga-
tion
Compare data using tables, stem -and-leaf
plots, histograms, and box-and-whisker plots
Compare data using measures of cent er
(mean and median) and measures of spread
(range)
Investigation 2: Conducting Surveys
Distinguish between sample and popul ation
Consider various ways of developi ng a sam-
pling plan
Use data from a sample to make predi ctions
about a population
Design a survey, focusing on how questions
are asked
Investigation 3: Random Samples
Select a random sample from a popul ation
Use sampling distributions, measures of cen-
ter, and measures o f sp read to describe and
compare samp les
Use data from samples to estimate a charac-
teristic of a populati on
Investigation 4: Solving Real World Pr oblems
Use data from samples to estimate a charac-
teristic found in a population
Use characteristics from a populati on to de-
scribe a sample
Apply elementary probability in c hoosing ran-
dom samples o f data
Connected Mathematics Project
Mathematics in
Investigations