Grade/Level
This lesson is suitable for students studying at any academic stage.
Subject Area
The subject area for this lesson is Mathematics.
Time Duration
This lesson will take approximately 45 minutes.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define statistical questions
- Differentiate between statistical and non-statistical questions
- Pose statistical questions
- Understand the importance of posing good statistical questions
Materials
- Whiteboard and markers
- Chart paper and markers
- Printed handouts
Procedure
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin by asking the students to define a question.
- After they give their answers, explain to them that questions are used to elicit information or gather details about something.
- Ask if they have ever heard of a statistical question.
Definition of Statistical Questions (10 minutes)
- Begin by defining statistical questions as those questions that are designed to gather information about a certain population or sample.
- Give examples of statistical questions such as "How many students in this school own a phone?"
- Ask the students to mention some of the key elements in a statistical question.
Non-Statistical Questions VS Statistical Questions (10 minutes)
- Provide a few examples of non-statistical questions such as "What is your name?" or "What is your favorite movie?"
- Explain to the students that such questions are not statistical because they cannot be proven with numerical data.
- Give them examples of statistical questions such as "How many hours do you spend watching TV in a week?".
- Ask the students to identify the differences between a non-statistical and statistical question.
Posing Statistical Questions (10 minutes)
- Demonstrate to the students how to pose a statistical question.
- Provide them with a few examples, such as "What percentage of students in this class scored above 80% on their last math test?".
- Ask the students to think of their own statistical questions and share them with the class.
Importance of Posing Statistical Questions (10 minutes)
- Discuss the benefits of posing statistical questions such as being able to collect and analyze numerical data.
- Explain how this can help in making informed decisions.
- Emphasize the importance of posing good statistical questions in any research or study.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Summarize the main points of the lesson.
- Encourage the students to pose statistical questions whenever possible.
- Provide handouts with a few examples of statistical questions for the students to practice at home.
Assessment and Evaluation
The students will be assessed on their ability to differentiate between statistical and non-statistical questions, pose statistical questions, and understand the importance of posing good statistical questions. This will be evaluated through class participation and a written quiz at the end of the lesson.