Comparing summaries of data
I can use the different measures of central tendency and spread to compare two sets of data.
Comparing summaries of data
I can use the different measures of central tendency and spread to compare two sets of data.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Statistical summaries of data can be used to make inferences about that data.
- Two sets of statistical summaries can be used to compare the respective data sets.
- Statistical summaries have their limitations.
Keywords
Central tendency - is a summary measure that attempts to describe a whole dataset with a single value that represents the middle or centre of its distribution.
Spread - The spread/dispersion of data values describes how far apart the pieces of data are.
Dispersion - The spread/dispersion of data values describes how far apart the pieces of data are.
Common misconception
If two datasets have the same mean, then the distribution of data points will look similar.
Even with the same mean, two datasets could have vastly different ranges. One dataset could be bimodal, whilst the other could be unimodal.
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Comparing summaries of data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Comparing summaries of data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Numerical summaries of data unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

4
3
1
8

9
10
13

Exit quiz
6 Questions
typical value
middle value
most frequent value
how varied the data set is




