Sticky Note Statistics
Joanne Caniglia, Kent State University
Overview of Lesson
This set of activities allows students to analyze data from graphs created with sticky notes. Students are asked to estimate a string’s length. Their estimates are put on sticky notes, forming dot and box plots. Following initial estimates and graphs, more estimation exercises are given to students (with strings of different lengths). Once again, teachers ask students to estimate, and sticky notes reveal students’ estimations and graphs. Sticky notes provide ease in collecting and reviewing the data and a visualization of data.
The statistical question is, “Do students improve their estimates with repeated estimation experiences?” Students will justify their answers by applying their knowledge of graphs and summary statistics to describe center and spread.
