Virginia SOL 6.PS.1.c
The Standard
Determine the factors that will ensure that the data collected is a sample that is representative of a larger population.
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 circle graphs.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify the population and examine how a sample was selected. They decide whether the sample is likely to represent that population and explain how to reduce bias.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can compare sampling plans and choose the one least likely to be biased. They support their choice by discussing random selection, sample size, and inclusion of relevant groups.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think any large sample is representative, even when it comes from one group. They may also trust convenience samples or voluntary surveys without noticing who was left out.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A principal surveys 30 band students about a new school lunch menu. Name two problems and describe a better sampling plan.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place colored counters in a bag, take random and nonrandom samples, then compare each sample's group proportions with the full bag.
Ask students to explain why surveying one sixth-grade class may not represent every sixth grader in the school.
Play Sampling Detective by having teams sort survey-plan cards into representative or biased groups and defend each choice.
Plan a school lunch survey that gives students from every grade and lunch period a fair chance to be selected.
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Printable 6.PS.1.c Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 8.PS.2.c
Determine how statistical bias might affect whether the data collected from the sample is representative of the larger population.
- 3.PS.1.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect or acquire existing data (limited to 30 or fewer data points for no more than eight catego...
- 5.PS.1.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect or acquire existing data (limited to 30 or fewer data points) using various methods (e.g.,...
- 7.PS.2.c
Determine how sample size and randomness will ensure that the data collected is a sample that is representative of a larger population.
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