Education Technology


Math TODAY - Super Ticket Sales

Activity Overview

Students will create two box and whisker plots of the data in the USA TODAY Snapshot®. They will calculate central tendencies for both sets of data and compare the two sets of data by analyzing the differences in the box and whisker plots.

Before the Activity

See the attached Teacher Edition PDF file for notes and guidelines for this activity. The Technology Guide PDF file includes step-by-step calculator instructions with screen shots.

During the Activity

Students will:

  • Gather data from a graphical source.
  • Calculate mean, median, and mode for each set of data.
  • Create a box and whisker graph for each set of data.


  • Directions:
  • Distribute the Student Edition PDF file to your class.
  • Follow the activity procedures outlined in the student document.
  • You may use the Transparency PDF file to display a large image of the USA TODAY graphic during the activity.