Teacher: Becca Farrell

Date: 11/18/2014

Grade: 5

Subject: Math

Time Frame: 7:55- 9:05

Lesson Title: Measures of Central Tendency Stations

Objective: The students will have practice gathering their own data to find the mean,
median, and mode.
SOL: 5.16 The student will
a) Describe mean, median, and mode as measures of center;
b) Describe mean as fair share;
c) Find the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data; and
d) Describe the range of a set of data as a measure of variation.
Materials:
Marbles
Plastic container (2)
Meter stick
Blank paper
Straws
Calculator

Procedure:
Students will be put in predetermined groups of six people.
Before starting the activities, we will review ways to remember mean, median, and mode
(average, middle, most).
I will explain the directions of each station clearly for everyone to hear before separating
students into groups. The directions will be for students to first collect their data, find
the measures of central tendency, and then share their data with the group.
Each group will have two-meter sticks, so two people can go at once. The expectations
will be that other students can help the two-group members measure while they are
waiting.
The stations will include:
o Marble Grab: There will be two containers with marbles. Each student will
take their dominant hand and grab as many marbles that can fit. This number
will be recorded on the data collection sheet and repeated to have three trials.
o Plastic Straw Toss: Students will start on the taped line and throw their straw
as far as possible. After completing their throw, they will measure the distance
the straw went. Three trials will take place.
o Paper Airplane Toss: Students will take about two minutes to create a unique
paper airplane however they wish. Starting on the taped line, students will
throw their paper airplane as far as possible. They will then measure the
distance and repeat for a total of three trials.
After each station is complete, we will share data with the class to compare data between

the groups. This will lead into a closing class discussion about strategies they used to
collect their data and interpret the findings.
I will be monitoring groups and assisting when necessary.
Assessment: I will assess students data collection sheet. They must show their work so
that I understand the process they went through to find their answers.
Differentiation: Students will be put into groups to help facilitate learning. Each group
will have mixed abilities, but each student must show their individual work. I will be
facilitating and assisting students who might be struggling. The data collection sheets
provides some steps included to help struggling students.