Height Average

OVERVIEW:  The theory of probability is an important branch of mathematics with many practical applications in the physical, medical, biological and social sciences.  An understanding of this theory is essential to understand weather reports, medical findings, political doings and the state lotteries.  Students have many misconceptions about probability situations.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this activity, is to begin the process of helping students to learn the basic principles of probability.

OBJECTIVES:  As a result of this activity the student will:

1.       predict outcome

2.      take a measurement

3.      collect data (table)

4.      interpret data ( range, mode, median)

5.      display data (graph)

RESOURCES, MATERIALS:  measure tape affixed to wall, ruler, pencils, student instructions.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:

1.       Instructions on activity sheet.

2.      Students will select a partner to measure him/her using the tape and ruler at station Average Station.

3.      Students will list his/her height on the master chart located next to the measuring tape.  Males will write their height in blue.  Females will write their height in green.

4.      Without doing any calculations, students will answer prediction questions on activity sheet.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:

1.  Use this as an introduction to a unit on probability.

2.  Follow-up with discussion about what medium, mean, and mode are and how these ideas are used in the world.

3.  Do the actual averages on chart for boys, girls, and all.  Compare to national average.

(Directions @ station)

Height Average

STATION #?

               Stand with your back against the measurement tape affixed to the wall.  Have your partner measure your height by placing the ruler flat on the top of your head.  Round your height to the nearest whole inch.  (Over half round up.  Under half round down.)

List your height on the chart provided.  

Girls write your height in green.  

Boys write your height in blue.

               Without doing any calculations, answer the following questions:

1.       What is the average female height in the class?

2.      What is the average male height in the class?

3.      What is the over-all height of the class?

4.      Is this above, below, or at the national average?

(EXAMPLE)

GIRLS

BOYS

TOTAL

/ by # of participants

(Handed out after students have answered their questions and posted their heights)