Overview + Success Criteria
A strong data summary goes beyond computation. It explains what the numbers show about the situation.
I can...
- find and interpret the mean and median
- describe variation with range and MAD
- identify an outlier or striking deviation
- describe the overall pattern of a data set
- write a summary about data in context
Success Criteria
- I use correct data vocabulary.
- I calculate accurately.
- I explain what the numbers mean.
- I notice clusters and unusual values.
- I compare groups using evidence.
Quick Read: What should a strong summary include?
| Part of a Data Summary | What to Say | Sample Sentence Stem |
|---|---|---|
| Center | Tell about the typical value using mean or median. | The typical number of ___ is about ___ because the mean/median is ___. |
| Variation | Explain how spread out the data are. | The data vary by ___ and are fairly spread out / close together. |
| Overall Pattern | Describe whether values are clustered, balanced, or stretched out. | Most of the values are between ___ and ___, so the data are clustered around ___. |
| Striking Deviations | Point out any unusual values or outliers. | A striking deviation is ___ because it is much larger / smaller than the rest. |
| Context | Connect the numbers back to the real-world situation. | This means that in this group, students usually / often / rarely ___. |
Vocabulary Match
Drag each term into the matching definition box.
Mean
Median
Range
Mean Absolute Deviation
Outlier
Cluster
The middle value when the data are put in order
The difference between the greatest and least value
The average distance of each data value from the mean
A value much farther from the rest of the data
The sum of all values divided by the number of values
A group of values close together
Warm-Up Skill Check
Compute first. Then interpret.
1. Number of books read in one month
2, 4, 4, 5, 10
2. Which value is a striking deviation?
7, 8, 7, 9, 8, 22
7
8
9
22
3. Which sentence best describes the data?
5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 20
The data are evenly spread with no unusual values.
Most values cluster between 5 and 7, with 20 as a striking deviation.
The median is 20, so the data center is 20.
There is no cluster because the mean exists.
Center: Mean & Median
Choose the best measure of center and explain why.
Data Set A: Daily screen time (hours)
2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 9
Data Set B: Minutes spent reading
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
4. Explain the difference
Why is the median usually a better choice than the mean when a data set has an outlier?
Variation & Spread
Use range and mean absolute deviation to describe how spread out the values are.
5. Find the range
12, 13, 13, 14, 18
6. Estimate the MAD
Data: 4, 5, 5, 6, 10
Hint: The mean is 6. Find each distance from 6: 2, 1, 1, 0, 4. Then average those distances.
7. Which data set has more variation?
Set A
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Set B
2, 6, 10, 14, 18
Set A has more variation.
Set B has more variation.
Both have the same variation.
Visual Data Activities
Read the graph, interpret the pattern, and decide what the display shows.
8. Read the dot plot
9. Read the box plot
10. Which display suggests one high outlier?
A graph where all values are evenly spaced with no gaps
A graph with one value much farther right than the cluster
A graph where every value is the same
A graph with only two data values
Describe Data in Context
Summaries should mention the situation, not just the numbers.
11. Class plant growth data (centimeters)
12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 15, 16, 24
12. Which summary is strongest?
The numbers are 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 15, 16, 24.
The median is 14.5, so that is the answer.
Most plant heights are clustered from 12 to 16 cm, with 24 cm standing out as unusually high.
There is variation because all data sets have variation.
13. What is the attribute being measured?
The names of the students
Plant height in centimeters
The classroom number
The color of the paper
Compare Two Data Sets
State which group has more variation or a stronger center, then support your answer with evidence.
Group A quiz scores
7, 8, 8, 9, 8
Group B quiz scores
4, 8, 8, 12, 8
14. Which group has the same center but greater variation?
Group A
Group B
Neither; they are identical in spread
15. Support with evidence
16. Select all statements that are true.
Sort the Statements
Drag each statement into the correct category.
Statement Bank
The median is 8, so a typical value is 8.
The data range from 4 to 12, so the spread is 8.
Most values are clustered between 7 and 9.
The value 24 is much higher than the rest.
Drop Zones
Center
Variation
Overall Pattern
Striking Deviation
Constructed Response
This is the kind of written response that makes the review feel complete and teacher-ready.
17. Full Data Summary Paragraph
A teacher records the number of minutes students spend reading at home: 10, 12, 12, 13, 15, 16, 30
Write a summary that includes the attribute, center, variation, pattern, and a striking deviation.
18. Sentence Frame Support
| Need | Sentence Frame |
|---|---|
| Name the attribute | The data show the number of __________. |
| Describe center | A typical value is about __________ because the mean/median is __________. |
| Describe variation | The data are spread from __________ to __________, so the range is __________. |
| Name a striking deviation | A striking deviation is __________ because it is much __________ than the rest. |
| State a pattern | Most of the values are clustered around __________. |
Mastery Check
Final mixed review. Aim for 6 out of 7 correct.
19. What does “center” describe in a data set?
The largest value only
A typical or middle value for the data
How many students were absent
The name of the graph
20. Data: 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 20. Which is the best measure of center?
Mean, because the outlier makes it better
Median, because it is less affected by the outlier
Range, because it is a center value
Maximum, because it is the largest
21. How many observations are in this data set?
11, 12, 14, 14, 18, 19
22. Which statement best describes variation?
Variation describes how spread out the values are.
Variation tells the title of the graph.
Variation means the same as the median.
Variation is always 0.
23. Data: 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 10. Which value is a striking deviation?
24. What is the range of 6, 8, 9, 9, 11?
25. Reflection
Teacher / Answer Key
Answer key, completion notes, and score support for classroom or marketplace use.
| Item | Answer / Expected Idea |
|---|---|
| #1 | Mean 5, Median 4, Range 8 |
| #2 | 22 |
| #3 | Most values cluster between 5 and 7, with 20 as a striking deviation. |
| #4 | Mean ≈ 3.8, Median 3, best center = median |
| Data Set B | Mean 25, Median 25, either center value matches; mean is fully appropriate because there is no outlier. |
| #5 | 6 |
| #6 | MAD = 1.6 |
| #7 | Set B |
| #8 | Center around 5 or 6; striking deviation 8 |
| #9 | Minimum 2, Median 6, Maximum 12 |
| #10 | Choice B |
| #12 | Choice C |
| #13 | Plant height in centimeters |
| #14 | Group B |
| #16 | True: A, B, D |
| Sort | Center → median is 8; Variation → range 8; Pattern → clustered between 7 and 9; Deviation → value 24 is much higher |
| #19–24 | 19=B, 20=B, 21=6, 22=A, 23=10, 24=5 |
Built-in Marketplace Features
- full review sequence instead of isolated questions
- drag-and-drop vocabulary and sorting tasks
- visual model interpretation with dot plot and box plot
- context-based writing and compare/contrast reasoning
- print mode for worksheet/PDF use
- score tracker and summary modal
Final flagship review script