The New Normal

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The New Normal

Activity Description

$hm3_160$

Students will explore distributions of various census data sets to determine whether it can be reasonably assumed that those data follow a normal distribution, based on students’ analysis of either a histogram or a normal probability plot for each data set. They will then discuss their findings with a partner who analyzed the other type of graph for each data set.

Suggested Grade Level

11-12

Approximate Time Required

45-60 minutes

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to determine if a distribution is normal based on histograms and on normal probability plots.
Students will be able to identify which data sets can and cannot be modeled accurately using a normal distribution.

Materials Required

The student version of this activity, 14 pages

A graphing calculator, graphing software (e.g., Microsoft Excel), or other graphing technology is optional.

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Download Student Version

Teacher Notes

Blooms Taxonomy

Analyzing

Students will analyze histograms and normal probability plots of various data distributions and evaluate whether a normal distribution can accurately be used as a model for those data.