Lesson 2: Displaying Data: Dot Plots, Histograms, & Box Plots

• What are different ways to display data?
• When do we use each type of display?
• What does each display tell us?
• How do we read and interpret displays?

Dot plot, histogram, box plot, frequency, interval, quartile, median, range

CCSS.MATH.6.SP.B.4, CCSS.MATH.6.SP.B.5

Description: Students create three types of data displays: dot plots (dots above a number line, for small datasets), histograms (bars for grouped data), and box plots (showing quartiles and median). They learn when each is most useful. Purpose: To develop skills in representing data visually and interpreting displays. DOK Level: 2-3 (Application)

• Start with dot plots: Simplest to create and interpret
• For struggling learners: Provide partially completed displays; focus on reading
• For advanced learners: Create all three types and compare
• Technology: Use spreadsheets or graphing tools

• Observation: Can students create displays correctly?

• Worksheet: Create a dot plot from data

• Histogram task: Group data and create a histogram

• Box plot task: Calculate quartiles and create a box plot

• Interpretation: Describe what each display shows

• Data display templates (dot plot, histogram, box plot)

• Sample datasets

• Graph paper

• Graphing technology (spreadsheets, Desmos)

• Resource: Khan Academy "Data Displays" (adapted)