Montana Math MT.7.SP.2
The Standard
Use data from a random sample to draw inferences about a population with an unknown characteristic of interest and generate or simulate multiple samples of the same size to gauge the variation in estimates or predictions. This standard should incorporate cultural context relating to Montana Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students use a random sample to estimate something they do not yet know about a larger group. They draw several samples of the same size and see how much their estimates change.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can use each sample to estimate the share of a class that prefers fiction. They can explain why two random samples may give different estimates without treating either one as an exact count.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may pick only friends and call it a random sample. They may also assume one sample gives the exact answer, or compare samples of different sizes without noticing the difference.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Of 100 library patrons, 6 in one random sample of 10 choose fiction by Montana Indigenous authors. In another sample of 10, 4 choose fiction. Estimate the total number of patrons who would choose fiction from each sample, then explain why the estimates differ.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Collect class votes on fiction or nonfiction books by Montana Indigenous authors, then draw ten ballots five times, returning all ballots between draws.
Ask: Why did our five samples give different estimates when the class votes did not change? Have students write one explanation.
Pairs reshuffle the class ballots, draw eight, and estimate the fiction share; repeat three times before checking the full tally.
Use the class estimate to recommend fiction or nonfiction for a classroom library display of books by Montana Indigenous authors.
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Printable MT.7.SP.2 Worksheet
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