Does standard deviation work for non-symmetrical distributions, and what does it mean? Through the use of examples, high schoolers determine the standard deviation of a variety of distributions and interpret its meaning. Problems require more than just a number — they require a complete understanding of the standard deviation.

Concepts

standard deviation, data analysis

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Create various dot plots with different standard deviations and have the class order them from smallest to largest
• Have pairs create dot plots with standard deviations that would fall between the standard deviations in the exercises

Classroom Considerations

• The sixth lesson of a 20-lesson module

Pros

• Provides a natural way to use Think-Pair-Share activity
• Developed specifically to use the standard deviation to compare variability of data sets that are not obvious

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSS-ID.A.1 HSS-ID.A.2 HSS-ID.A.3 MP1 MP2