Lesson 2

The mathematical purpose of this lesson is for students to remember how to create a dot plot, and how to interpret data from an already constructed dot plot. The work in this lesson connects to previous work done in grade 6, when students learned how to construct and interpret dot plots. Throughout this unit, students interpret, analyze, compare, and contrast different representations of data, so students should have an understanding of the characteristics of each representation. In the associated Algebra lesson, students create and interpret dots plots, histograms, and box plots.

In this lesson, students create a class-wide human dot plot. Students then work together to collect and organize data from the class and construct and interpret a dot plot. Students engage in MP2 when they interpret information about their class by answering questions about the data set. 

Create a number line along one side of the classroom using painter’s tape on the floor or along the wall. Either align a row of desks to each whole number, or leave enough room for students to stand several students deep in front of the number line.