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WebQuest · Unit 8 · CCSS 6.SP.A & B

📊 The Data Lab WebQuest

Statistics — collect data, build plots, and find the center!

Learning Target

I can…

  • Tell the difference between a statistical and a non-statistical question (6.SP.A.1).
  • Describe a data set using mean, median, mode, and range (6.SP.A.3).
  • Calculate mean absolute deviation (MAD) to describe spread (6.SP.B.5c).
  • Read and interpret a dot plot, histogram, and box plot (6.SP.B.4).
  • Describe the shape of a distribution (symmetric, skewed) (6.SP.A.2).
Standards: 6.SP.A.1–3, 6.SP.B.4–5 Estimated time: 50–60 min Materials: pencil, graph paper or device, calculator (optional)
Teacher Notes (click to expand)

Pacing

Intro + vocab: 8 min · Steps 1–2 (learn concepts): 10 min · Game (Step 3): 10 min · Dataset practice (Step 4): 8 min · Self-check quiz: 8 min · NTKit quiz + save: 8 min · Reflection: 5 min. Total ≈ 57 min. Reduce game time to 5 min for a 50-min class.

Grouping

Steps 1–4: pairs (discuss each formula together). Step 4 dataset: individual with pair check. Self-check quiz: individual. NTKit quiz: individual.

Differentiation — Support

  • Provide a reference card with the four formulas (mean, median, mode, range) pre-filled.
  • For the dataset practice, pre-sort the numbers so students focus on finding median/mode rather than sorting.
  • Allow use of a calculator for the mean calculation.
  • Use the dot-plot visual in the self-check section to anchor the concept of mode visually.

Differentiation — Challenge

  • Have students collect their own class data (e.g., number of siblings) and calculate all four measures.
  • Introduce mean absolute deviation (MAD): find the distance of each data point from the mean, then average those distances.
  • Ask students to compare two data sets by their median and range and write a conclusion sentence.
  • Extension: identify whether a distribution is symmetric or skewed-right / skewed-left from a dot plot or histogram.

ESOL / Language Supports

  • Post a word wall: data, statistical question, mean, median, mode, range, dot plot, histogram, box plot, distribution.
  • Use color-coded formula cards (mean = blue, median = green, mode = orange, range = red).
  • Allow native-language calculation scratch work; require English labels on final answers.
  • Sentence frames: "The mean of this data set is ___ because ___." / "This is a statistical question because it has many possible answers."
  • Pair ESOL students with a bilingual partner for the game step.

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Data Lab! Today you are a data scientist. Your job is to collect numbers, show them in a plot, and describe them.

A statistical question is a question that has many different answers (for example: "How many pets do students have?"). A non-statistical question has exactly one answer (e.g., "How many pets does Maya have?"). We use the mean, median, mode, range, and plots to describe and display the data set.

2. Task

By the end of this WebQuest, you will be able to:

3. Process

Do the steps in order. Read each one carefully.

  1. Step 1 — Learn the words

    Data = the numbers you collect. Mean = average. Median = middle number when sorted. Mode = number seen most. Range = how spread out the data is. Distribution = the shape of how data is spread. MAD = mean absolute deviation (average distance from the mean).

  2. Step 2 — Learn how to find each one

    Mean: add all numbers, then divide by how many
    Median: sort the numbers, pick the middle one (average the two middle numbers if even count)
    Mode: the number that shows up most often
    Range: biggest number − smallest number
    MAD: find each value's distance from the mean, then average those distances

  3. Step 3 — Play the 3D game

    Open the Data Lab 3D game. Stack blocks to match the numbers, then pick the right answer pad for the mean, median, or mode.

  4. Step 4 — Practice with one data set

    Use this data set of pets per student in a class:

    2, 3, 3, 4, 8

    Find the mean, median, mode, and range before the quiz.
    Mean = (2+3+3+4+8) ÷ 5 = 20 ÷ 5 = 4 | Median = 3 | Mode = 3 | Range = 8 − 2 = 6

    Below is a dot plot of the same data. Each dot = one student. The number with the most dots is the mode.

    ●
    2
    ●
    ●
    3
    ●
    4
    5
    6
    7
    ●
    8

    Number of pets per student

  5. Step 5 — Show what you know

    Type your name in the bar above, complete the self-check and the graded quiz, then Save as PDF or DOC to turn in.

Tip: Always sort the numbers from smallest to biggest before you look for the median or range.

4. Resources

Use these to help you:

5. Self-Check

Answer each question and press Check for instant feedback. These help you learn — they do not affect your grade.

1. Which is a statistical question?

2. Find the mean of: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12.

3. Find the median of: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

4. What is the range of: 3, 8, 15, 2, 10?

5. A dot plot of test scores shows: 70 has 1 dot, 80 has 3 dots, 90 has 2 dots. What is the mode?

6. Evaluation (Rubric)

Skill 4 — Expert 3 — Proficient 2 — Developing 1 — Beginning
Statistical questions (6.SP.A.1) Correctly identifies statistical vs. non-statistical in all cases and explains why. Correctly identifies them; explanation is incomplete. Identifies them correctly most of the time. Needs help telling them apart.
Mean & median (6.SP.A.3 / 6.SP.B.5c) Calculates mean and median with no errors; explains which is better for skewed data. Calculates mean and median correctly. Finds one of the two correctly. Mean and median not yet found correctly.
Mode & range (6.SP.A.3) Finds mode and range with no errors; uses range to describe spread. Finds mode and range with minor errors. Finds one of the two correctly. Cannot yet find mode or range correctly.
Data displays (6.SP.B.4) Reads dot plot, histogram, and box plot accurately; describes shape (symmetric/skewed). Reads dot plot accurately; can identify mode from plot. Can read a dot plot with some support. Cannot yet read a data display independently.
Quiz score 6 of 6 correct (100%) 5 of 6 correct 3–4 of 6 correct 0–2 of 6 correct

7. Conclusion

Great work, data scientist! You can now spot a statistical question and find the mean, median, mode, and range of a data set. You can also read a dot plot and describe the shape of the data. These same skills help you read graphs, sports stats, and surveys in real life.

8. Check Your Understanding

Answer all 6. Then press Check My Answers. Type numbers only when asked.

Add them all (total = 20), then divide by 4.
Sort them (already sorted), then pick the middle number (3rd of 5).
The number seen most often.
Biggest − smallest = 20 − 4 = ?
Which number has the most dots?

Your score and a check or X for each question will appear in the panel at the top. Then use Save as PDF or Save as DOC to turn it in.

Answer Key

Teacher Answer Key — Click to Reveal
  1. Q1: "How tall are the students in my class?" — statistical because answers vary. Standard: 6.SP.A.1.
  2. Q2: 5 — Mean of 2, 4, 6, 8: (2+4+6+8) ÷ 4 = 20 ÷ 4 = 5. Standard: 6.SP.A.3.
  3. Q3: 9 — Sorted: 3, 7, 9, 12, 20 — middle value is 9. Standard: 6.SP.A.3.
  4. Q4: 8 — appears 3 times (more than any other value). Standard: 6.SP.A.3.
  5. Q5: 16 — Range = 20 − 4 = 16. Standard: 6.SP.A.3.
  6. Q6: 2 — has 3 dots, the most of any value. Standard: 6.SP.B.4.

Self-Check answers: 1-b, 2-8, 3-5, 4-13, 5-80.

9. Reflection & Deliverable

Deliverable: Save your completed page as a PDF or DOC with your first and last name in the filename (Example: JaneDoe_Unit8_WebQuest.pdf) and submit it to your teacher.