This Warm-up prompts students to think about what variables they may use to analyze a situation. Then, students describe data displays they may use to compare two sets of data. Choosing variables and planning a process for comparing data sets engage students in aspects of mathematical modeling (MP4).
Listen for groups that choose a variable other than the number of wins to determine the top players in the game and for groups that select different data displays or ways of comparing data sets, and ask them to share with the whole group.
Arrange students in groups of 2.
Ask students, “Have you ever played a game where you did really well, but still lost?” Consider looking up or sharing your own stories of great individual performances that still resulted in a loss. Tell students, “There are often many ways to measure performance and compare results.”
Tell students to think quietly about their answers to the questions for about 1 minute before discussing with their partner and then sharing with the whole group.
Several online video games match players with other players at random to compete in a team game.
Sample responses:
Select previously identified students to share their solutions. If it does not come up in discussion, ask students how they might interpret a situation in which a small group of players has a significantly greater number of wins or points than the rest of the group. It might mean that most of the players are not very good and there are a few who are, or it might mean that there are a few dominant players who are much better than average players.
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This Warm-up prompts students to think about what variables they may use to analyze a situation. Then, students describe data displays they may use to compare two sets of data. Choosing variables and planning a process for comparing data sets engage students in aspects of mathematical modeling (MP4).
Listen for groups that choose a variable other than the number of wins to determine the top players in the game and for groups that select different data displays or ways of comparing data sets, and ask them to share with the whole group.
Arrange students in groups of 2.
Ask students, “Have you ever played a game where you did really well, but still lost?” Consider looking up or sharing your own stories of great individual performances that still resulted in a loss. Tell students, “There are often many ways to measure performance and compare results.”
Tell students to think quietly about their answers to the questions for about 1 minute before discussing with their partner and then sharing with the whole group.
Several online video games match players with other players at random to compete in a team game.
Sample responses:
Select previously identified students to share their solutions. If it does not come up in discussion, ask students how they might interpret a situation in which a small group of players has a significantly greater number of wins or points than the rest of the group. It might mean that most of the players are not very good and there are a few who are, or it might mean that there are a few dominant players who are much better than average players.