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Assessment Resource Centre (ARC)

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  1. Years 9-10
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  4. Using Histograms and Polygons
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Using Histograms and Polygons


Grade Work Samples
Midway through Stage 5 (end of Year 9) End of Stage 5 (end of Year 10)
Grade B Haley  
Grade C Eden   Sascha   Stacey   Kendall(C6)   Bailey(C6)   Cameron(C5)   Indra(C5)  
Grade D Chandra   Tai   Ariel   Shane(D4)   Jordan(D4)   Lou(D4)   Chris(D4)   Ashley(D4)   Riley(D3)   Sam(D3)   Kim(D3)   Taylor(D3)  
Grade E Rania(E2)  
New Work Samples
Drew

Description of activity

Students construct a cumulative frequency histogram and polygon (ogive) and use the ogive to find the median of the distribution. They then construct a frequency histogram and draw conclusions regarding the shape of the distribution, connecting the mean and median to the skewness of the distribution.

Suggested materials

Worksheet, calculator, ruler and pens/pencils

Context

Students have constructed frequency tables, frequency histograms, cumulative frequency histograms and ogives. They have discussed the meaning of skewness and how to recognise a skewed distribution. Students have also discussed the relationship between a skewed distribution and the mean and median.

Areas for Assessment

  • Working mathematically
    Knowledge, skills and understanding developed through inquiry, application of problem-solving strategies, communication, reasoning and reflection
  • Data
    Knowledge, skills and understanding in collecting, representing, analysing and evaluating information

Outcomes

Data Representation (DS4.1)
Constructs, reads and interprets graphs, tables, charts and statistical information

Data Representation and Analysis (DS5.1.1)
Groups data to aid analysis and constructs frequency and cumulative frequency tables and graphs

Data Analysis and Evaluation (DS5.2.1)
Uses the interquartile range and standard deviation to analyse data

Questioning (WMS5.1.1)
Asks questions that could be explored using mathematics in relation to Stage 5.1 content

Applying Strategies (WMS5.1.2)
Analyses a mathematical or real-life situation, systematically applying problem-solving strategies

Communicating (WMS5.1.3)
Uses mathematical terminology and notation, algebraic symbols, diagrams, text and tables to explain mathematical ideas

Reasoning (WMS5.1.4)
Explains and verifies mathematical relationships

Reflecting (WMS5.1.5)
Links mathematical ideas and makes connections with, and generalisations about, existing knowledge and understanding in relation to Stage 5.1 content

Criteria for assessing learning

(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

  • construct frequency histograms, cumulative frequency histograms and ogives
  • use ogives to find the median
  • explain skewness and how a skewed distribution influences the median and mean.
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