Lesson 7

Mean or Median

Est. Class Sessions: 2–3
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Mathematical Standards

5.OA.A
Write and interpret numerical expressions. (5.OA.A.1)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP1.
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP2.
Reason quantitatively.
MP3.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP6.
Attend to precision.
MP7.
Look for and make use of structure.
MP8.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Students review the mean as a different kind of average. Connecting cubes are used to model the mean as students even out towers that represent values of data. The mean and median are compared. Students review the order of operations and parentheses are discussed.

Content in this Lesson

  • Reviewing the concept of the mean.
  • Comparing the mean and the median.
  • Finding the median and mean of a data set [E13].
  • Using parentheses in numerical expressions [E4].
  • Using correct order of operations [E4].
  • Communicating the advantages and disadvantages of using the mean versus the median to represent a data set.
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Materials for Students

Daily Practice and Problems Lesson Homework Assessment

Student Books

 Student Guide

Teacher Resources

 Teacher Guide - digital

Supplies for Student Pairs

  • 80 centimeter connecting cubes or square-inch tiles

Supplies for Students

  • calculator

Materials for the Teacher

TIMS Tip

This activity is described using connecting cubes. If your class does not have connecting cubes, use square-inch tiles instead. Where the activity asks students to build towers, students can make rows of square-inch tiles.

Assessment in this Lesson

Assessment Expectation Assessed Math Practices Expectation Assessed

Mean or Median Check-In: Questions 21–22
Student Guide
Page 346
with the corresponding
Feedback Box
Teacher Guide - digital
Page 188
E4.
Follow the order of operations (e.g., using parentheses).
E13.
Find the mean and median of a data set.
MPE5.
Show my work. I show or tell how I arrived at my answer so someone else can understand my thinking.

DPP Item S
Decorating the House
Teacher Guide - digital
E15.
Demonstrate fluency with the multiplication and division facts for the last six facts (4 × 6, 4 × 7, 4 × 8, 6 × 7, 6 × 8, 7 × 8).