Education Technology


How Tall? Describing Data with Statistical Plots

Activity Overview

In this activity, students' will measure their heights using a motion detector and describe the data using the statistical concept called box plot.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the motion detector to the DIG/SONIC port of the CBL 2™ or the DIG/SONIC 1 port of the Vernier LabPro®
  • Connect the CBL 2™ or LabPro® to the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit cable
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 279 - 286 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages 279 - 286 to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Position the motion detector 2.5 meters from the floor, pointing straight downward
  • Measure the distance to the floor
  • Each student stands under the motion detector
  • Record the distance to the student's head
  • Calculate the student's height
  • Repeat the step for other students'
  • Collect the data for all students' and determine the mean, minimum, median, and maximum value
  • Draw a box plot
  • After the Activity

    Students' will analyze their data and complete the Data Collection and Analysis Sheet. They will also answer questions listed in it.

    Review student results

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary