Plotting with Pennies

Students will use pennies to gather data, organize and order data, graph the data on a stem-and-leaf plot, and evaluate the range, median, and mode of the data.

A lesson plan for grade 5 Mathematics

By Nancy Saunders

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• collect, organize, and graph data on a stem-and-leaf plot.
• analyze data by determining the range, median, and mode of the data.
• write questions and answers relevant to the data.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

45 minutes

Materials/resources

A minimum of 25 pennies.

Pencil and paper.

Technology resources

None

Pre-activities

Students must be able to compare and order 4-digit numbers.

Students must be familiar with the format of stem-and-leaf plots.

Students must be able to determine range, median, and mode of given numbers.

Activities

1. The teacher will select a penny from a random collection of coins and read the date from the penny.
2. Students will write down the four digits of the date.
3. The teacher will continue to select coins and read the dates from a minimum of 25 coins.
4. Students will write the four-digit dates in order from least to greatest.
5. Students will prepare a stem-and-leaf plot with the ordered list of dates.
6. The teacher will model sample questions based on the graphed data. For example, “For which year were the most coins available?” “For which year were no coins available?” The students will then prepare 3-5 questions and answers of their own to be shared with the class.
7. Students will determine the range of dates, the mode of the dates, and the median date of the data gathered.

Assessment

• The teacher will evaluate the stem-and-leaf plots for accuracy and completeness.
• The teacher will evaluate the students’ questions and answers for accuracy and relevance to the data.
• The teacher will evaluate the accuracy of the range, mode, and median of the data as determined by the students.
• This activity will then be done on an individual basis in a center for independent practice.

Supplemental information

None

Related websites

N/A

Comments

This lesson may be adapted for less-skilled students by using only the last two digits of the date field (for coins minted prior to 2000.) While 25 coins provides a good sample, the teacher may adjust the number of coins as needed. The teacher may also simplify the lesson by omitting references to range, mode, and median or by omitting student-written questions.