PART 1

• Activity B: Deviations from the Mean

The IQR measures the variation of data near the median. A smaller IQR means the median more closely reflects the middle 50% of the distribution.

Another way to measure the variation of a distribution is to look at how data varies relative to its other center: the mean. To do this, we look at the deviation from the mean: the difference between each single observation and the mean of the distribution.

In this activity, you will look at the mean as a measure of fair allocation, a way of redistributing the value in a distribution so that “everyone gets the same amount.” By looking at the mean this way, we give it more meaning and open the door to talking about deviations from the mean.

CompleteSession 5 of the Annenberg Series: Variation About the Mean.

LINK: http://www.learner.org/courses/learningmath/data/session5/index.html

Record THE work to all exercises

PART 2

Reading: On Deviations From TEACHING The Mean (PDF FILES ATTACHED)

As you read, reflect on ways you might incorporate the concepts of mean as a fair allocation and deviations from the mean in your practice.

PART 3

• Discussion: Deviations & MAD
  Reflect on the reading and THE work in Activity B on deviation from the mean.
•  Are these concepts new to you, or have you worked with them before? What new understandings do you have? What questions remain? And, how do these concepts connect to your work with students.