CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.B.4
The standard
Use measures of center and measures of variability for numerical data from random samples to draw informal comparative inferences about two populations.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Statistics and Probability
What this standard means
Students need to compare two groups using numbers, not guesses. They should find or use the mean, median, range, interquartile range, or mean absolute deviation from random samples, then make a reasonable claim about the populations.
Mastery looks like saying which group tends to have larger values and backing it up with center and spread. Students often get stuck by comparing only the highest value, ignoring overlap, or treating a small sample as proof. They also mix up mean and median when outliers are present.
Ways to teach it
- Have students sample 20 words from two books, record word lengths, then compare medians and ranges on dot plots.
- Ask students to write: Which class seems to spend more time on homework, and what numbers support your claim?
- Give two small data sets and ask students to circle the better measure of center, then explain why in one sentence.
- Compare prices from random samples of two cereal brands at a grocery store, using mean price and range to make a claim.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.B.4
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.B.3
Informally assess the degree of visual overlap of two numerical data distributions with similar variabilities, measuring the difference between the centers by e...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.SP.B.5c
Giving quantitative measures of center (median and/or mean) and variability (interquartile range and/or mean absolute deviation), as well as describing any over...
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.B
Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations.
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.A.2
Use statistics appropriate to the shape of the data distribution to compare center (median, mean) and spread (interquartile range, standard deviation) of two or...