Title: Average Weather

Title: Average Weather??

Grade Level: Eight

Subject: Math

Learner Outcomes:

The student will be able to obtain information from a line graph.

The student will be able to use a calculator in the traditional manner to calculate the mean, median, mode, and range of data obtained in science class and from the Internet.

The student will be able to calculate the mean and median of these sets of data using the statistics functions of a graphing calculator.

The student will be able to determine which measure of central tendency best represents the data.

Duration of Lesson:

1-2 forty-five minute class periods

Materials:

Data gathered from science class weather instruments, calculators with statistical capabilities, Average Weather?? Worksheet.

Technology Tools:

Internet
calculators with statistical capabilities

Teacher Notes:

Arrange for computers or calculators if needed.

Procedures:

The teacher will introduce the idea of different averages having different uses and give some examples of why people with different viewpoints would use different measures of central tendency.

The student will work with 2-3 other people who have the same birth month. Each student will have their own worksheet so if this is not possible, a mixed group can work together to help each other obtain their data.

Each student will need their data obtained from their science class weather instruments, Average Weather?? Worksheet, and access to a calculator and the Internet.

In their groups, the students will read how to calculate the different measures of central tendency and work the examples. If the group does not understand the given solutions, they should ask the teacher for clarification.

The students will connect to the National Center for Data Collection web site to obtain data about the weather during the month they were born and then the same data during their birth month of the most recent year available.

The students will use this data and the data obtained from their science class instruments to complete the Average Weather?? Worksheet.

Modifications:

Students working in groups can help each other. With this type of assignment, the ability levels of students are not as obvious as would be the case with a traditional assignment.

Enrichment Activities:

Students could search the Internet for local weather data for the time period of their data collection in science and compare the averages they calculated to the averages given on the Internet. Students could search the Internet for uses of measures of central tendency in an area of interest to them.

Evaluation/Assessment:

A rubric will be used for assessment as follows: 3 – Group works quickly, quietly and efficiently. All data is obtained as instructed. Calculations are completed accurately and questions are answered completely.

2 – Group wastes little time. Data is obtained as instructed, but calculations or questions are slightly incomplete or not done as instructed.

1 – Some data is obtained and some parts of calculations and questions are completed.

0 – Majority of assignment is incomplete. Internet time is used incorrectly.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

Mathematics: 8.26 8.28, 8.29, 8.30, 8.51

National Standards

References:

Prentice Hall Middle School Math Course 3
National Center for Data Collection

Author:

Vicki Ruble,
vruble@citynet.net
Hamilton Jr. High, Parkersburg, WV

Links to other Lessons in this Unit


Unit Overview	Weather Vanes (Science)	Barometer (Science)	Psychrometer (Science)


Average Weather?? (Mathematics)	But What Should I Wear???? (Mathematics)	Birthday Weather and News (Language Arts)

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