Virginia SOL 5.PS.1.e.i
The Standard
describe the characteristics of the data represented in a line plot (dot plot) and stem-andleaf plot as a whole (e.g., the shape and spread of the data)
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will apply the data cycle (formulate questions; collect or acquire data; organize and represent data; and analyze data and communicate results) with a focus on line plots (dot plots) and stem-and-leaf plots.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read line plots and stem-and-leaf plots as complete data sets. They describe the distribution's shape and spread, then support their statements with specific values from the plot.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly identify the minimum, maximum, range, clusters, gaps, peaks, and possible outliers. They describe the overall distribution aloud and in writing, using values from the plot as evidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may read each leaf as a separate whole number or ignore the plot key. They may confuse spread with the number of data points. They may list the minimum and maximum without describing clusters, gaps, or overall shape.
How to Assess It
- Display the stem-and-leaf plot 1 | 2 4 4 8, 2 | 0 1 1 3 9, 3 | 5, with key 1 | 2 = 12. Ask students to describe the spread and two visible features, using values as evidence.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs sticky notes with data values, then have them build a floor line plot and label its range, clusters, gaps, and peaks.
Ask, "What story does this plot tell about the group?" Students write three claims and support each with a value from the plot.
Play Data Detective by matching plot cards to description cards, then require students to explain one match to a partner.
Plot two weeks of daily high temperatures, then have students give a short weather report describing the data's shape and spread.
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Related Standards
- 5.PS.1
The student will apply the data cycle (formulate questions; collect or acquire data; organize and represent data; and analyze data and communicate results) with...
- 5.PS.1.e.iii
identify parts of the data that have special characteristics and explain the meaning of the greatest, the least, or the same (e.g., the stem-and-leaf plot shows...
- 5.PS.1.c
Organize and represent a data set using a line plot (dot plot) with a title, labeled axes, and a key, with and without the use of technology tools. Lines plots ...
- 4.PS.1.d.i
describe the characteristics of the data represented in a line graph and the data as a whole (e.g., the time period when the temperature increased the most);
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