Virginia SOL 8.PS.2.b
The Standard
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect the data (or acquire existing data) using various methods (e.g., observations, measurement, surveys, experiments).
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 boxplots.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify the numerical data needed to answer a specific question. They choose a suitable source or collection method, then gather values using consistent units and procedures. They also consider who or what should be included.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a question, students name the variable, group, units, and suitable collection method. They gather or locate enough consistent numerical values for analysis and explain how the data address the question.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may collect any related information instead of the numerical variable that answers the question. They may mix units, use leading survey questions, or choose a sample that excludes part of the target group.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Ask, “How many minutes does it take students in our class to get to school?” Students name the data, method, units, and one consistency rule, then record their own value.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Students measure classmates’ arm spans to the nearest centimeter, record results in a table, and check entries for consistent units.
Ask students to choose surveys or phone logs for studying screen time, then write which method gives more reliable data and why.
Give teams scenario cards to match with a variable, unit, population, and collection method, earning points for correcting mismatched plans.
Students use a weather website to collect one month of local high temperatures after agreeing on location, dates, and measurement units.
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Printable 8.PS.2.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 8.PS.2.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 8.PS.3.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect the data (or acquire existing data) of no more than 20 items using various methods (e.g., ...
- 7.PS.2.b
The 7th Grade version of this standard.
- 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.,...
- 6.PS.1.b
The 6th Grade version of this standard.
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