Session 2: Practice Activities
Time to Practice!
6 activities to reinforce what you learned. Try them all!
Difficulty levels: Easy Medium Challenge
1 Mean Calculator Easy Activity
Calculate the mean of these datasets: (1) 5, 8, 12, 7, 3 (2) 90, 85, 92, 88, 95 (3) 2, 2, 2, 2, 100. Which dataset's mean best represents the 'typical' value?
2 Class Height Average Easy Activity
Measure the height of 10 classmates in centimeters. Calculate the mean height. Is your height above or below the class average?
3 The Outlier Effect Medium Activity
Dataset: 10, 12, 11, 13, 12, 10, 11, 12, 11, 100. Calculate the mean with and without the outlier (100). How much does one number change the average?
4 Mean vs. Median Medium Discussion
For each dataset, calculate both the mean and median. Which better represents the typical value? (1) 5, 6, 7, 8, 100 (2) 80, 85, 82, 88, 84 (3) 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 50
5 Sports Averages Medium Research
Look up the batting averages (or scoring averages) of 5 players on your favorite sports team. Who has the highest average? Is the highest average always the best player? Why or why not?
6 Misleading Averages Detective Challenge Critical Thinking
A company says: 'Our average employee earns $95,000!' The CEO earns $500,000. The 9 other employees each earn $50,000. Calculate the real mean. Then calculate the median. Which number would you use in a job ad? Why is the company's claim misleading?