8.11.C

Math8th Grade

The Standard

simulate generating random samples of the same size from a population with known characteristics to develop the notion of a random sample being representative of the population from which it was selected

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students repeatedly select random samples of equal size from a population whose makeup is known. They compare each sample's proportions with the population and explain why some samples are closer than others.

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can use a fair random method, record results from several equal-sized samples, and calculate sample proportions. The student identifies which samples are representative and explains that random samples vary by chance.

Common Misconceptions

Students may choose convenient or balanced groups instead of using chance. They may expect every random sample to match the population exactly, or assume one unusual sample proves the method is biased.

How to Assess It

A bag has 60 red and 40 blue tiles. Use a random integer generator to create three samples of 10, then compare their red proportions with the population proportion.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Fill a bag with 30 red and 20 blue counters; teams draw ten, replace all counters, and repeat five times to compare proportions.

  2. Show two sets of five equal-sized sample results and ask, “Which set better reflects the population, and why might results differ?”

  3. Teams use a random number generator to build six samples of 20 from a 70 percent yes population, scoring closeness to 70 percent.

  4. Use a full class survey as the known population, then randomly sample eight names repeatedly and compare each result with the class proportion.

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