Number Sense
Count, Compare, and Order
Math workbook
Statistics: Describe and Compare Data: Displays, center, spread, and fair comparisons
Grades 6–8Level 3
About this book
Read the shape, find the center, and say only what the data show.
This workbook helps learners in grades 6–8 turn small sets of data into clear, honest statements. They start with statistical questions, cases, variables and samples, then build bar charts, dot plots and histograms. Next they describe shape, clusters, gaps and unusual values, and calculate mean, median, mode, range, interquartile range and mean absolute deviation. The last module compares groups using center, spread and overlap, and separates what was measured from claims about cause. Every module follows the same seven steps, from a skills check to explained answers. All data sets are fictional. An explanatory answer key for adults is at the back.
- Readiness check with a clear starting route
- Four modules: displays, shape, center and spread, comparison
- Worked examples, guided steps and varied practice
- Spaced reviews, cumulative reviews and an exit check
- Answer key with reasons, common errors and reteaching cues
For learners in grades 6–8 who can order numbers, work with decimals, read graphs and find a mean.
Look inside
What this book covers
Covered
Covered: statistical questions, cases and variables, bar charts, dot plots, histograms, box plots, shape, outliers, populations and samples, relative frequency, mode, mean, median, range, interquartile range (IQR), mean absolute deviation (MAD) and careful comparisons.
Not covered
Not covered: standard deviation, scatter plots, probability and formal inference.
Before you start
Before you start: you should be able to order numbers, use fractions and decimals, read tables and graphs, and find a mean.
Things to have
- Tools: pencil, eraser and ruler.
- A calculator is fine for long sums unless your teacher says otherwise.
Notice
Pictures in this book are simplified learning models. Check answers with the explanations at the back of the book.
The steps in this book
- Step 1: Get Ready
Check the skills you need before you begin. If something feels tricky, an adult can help you start in the right place.
- Step 2: Learn It
Read a short, clear explanation of the new idea and the words that go with it.
- Step 3: See It
Watch the idea being used, one step at a time, in a worked example.
- Step 4: Try It Together
Practice with prompts and help cues. The help gets smaller as you get stronger.
- Step 5: On Your Own
Practice on your own with different kinds of questions, and explain your thinking.
- Step 6: Look Back
Look back at earlier learning so it stays strong, then check where to go next.
- Step 7: Check and Fix
Check your answers. Each answer explains why, names a common mistake, and shows how to fix it.
What is in the book
The modules
- Module 1: Questions, cases, and displaysPages 5–14
- Module 2: Describe a distributionPages 15–24
- Module 3: Center and spread togetherPages 25–34
- Module 4: Compare with appropriate cautionPages 35–44
Contents
- Readiness check, pp. 3–4. Before Module 1. Its table tells you where to start.
- Modules, pp. 5–44
- Checkpoints, pp. 14, 24, 34, 44. The last page of each module.
- Mixed review, pp. 45–48. Questions from across the book, mixed together.
- Exit check, pp. 49–50. A last check across the book.
- Reflect and repair, p. 51
- Try again, p. 52. Fresh questions like those in the exit check.
- Further practice, pp. 53–56. More pages of step 5, On Your Own.
- Extra practice, p. 57
- Answers and explanations, pp. 58–68. Notes in this part are headed “Why”, “Common mistake” and “Help”.
Other books it mentions
After this book
Math workbook
Intro Statistics: Sampling and Inference
Study design, sampling variation, intervals and tests