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Lesson Planning Sheet Title: Mean from Grouped Data Learning Objectives: By the end of the lesson: All students should be able to calculate the mean from grouped data. Most students should be able to calculate the mean from a Histogram with equal class widths. Some students should be able to calculate and compare mean estimates from grouped data. Keywords: Mean Estimate, Grouped Data, Sum of, Mid-Point Learning Activities Starter/Introduction Students consider the benefits and drawbacks of using a grouped data table to collect and organise data. This activity could be done with students working in pairs so they can justify their responses to the statements. Development For the first question on the second slide reiterate to the students that the mean average is the sum of the data divided by the sample size. The problem then is to calculate the sum of the data when no specific data points are recorded. Students are often able to intuitively decide to use the median of the class as the sensible average for each group. However, they may need some direction and time to come to this. The total for each class is then calculated as the product of the frequency and midpoint with these totalled and finally divided by the sample size. Emphasise that the mean average when found in this way is only an estimate since the exact values are not known. Work through the problem with the students since there is a lot to remember if they have to watch it all then attempt it themselves. The first problem should provide a clear writing frame for the second problem on the third slide which the class could work through independently. Support the students by monitoring their progress through the calculations. Plenary The plenary is intended to extend the learning objectives by providing a different view of the data. Students will need to consider the height of each bar in order to determine the mean estimate. This could be attempted on mini-whiteboards and presented for feedback at the end of the lesson. Differentiation More able: Students could be given the raw data and choose their own class ranges then compare the accuracy of their mean averages. Ideally they would realise the more narrow the range the more accurate the average. However, this involves more calculations since a greater number of classes are used. Students could then consider where to strike the balance. Less Able Students may benefit from using a spread sheet program in order to break down and organise the calculations. Resources: Calculators Spreadsheet

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