Weighted Averages Major Project
We have spent the past couple of classes discovering ways one can create an averaging or
weighting system. These averages or ratings often give a better representation of value,
comprehension, or comparison of our data or subjects. We looked at how your grades are a
weighted average as well as how weighted averages are used to rank players in the MLB. Of
course there are many other applications of weighted averages from the auto industry,
sports, finance, even politics.
Your assignment is for your group to come up with your own weighted average or rating. You
and your group need to choose a topic. You can choose from the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Boyfriend or Girlfriend Rating
Teacher Rating
Parent Rating
Topic of your choice, pending teacher approval. Topic must be chosen before
next class and the entire group must agree on the topic!
There are some rules and guidelines you will need to follow.
1. This is a “G” or “PG” rated project. As you come up with ideas, think as if your
mother or grandmother will see this project.
2. All values need to be quantified. If your rating is a boyfriend or girlfriend rating, we
really can’t quantify how caring they are. However, you could quantify how many
times a day or week your significant other calls. Another example might be humor.
You can’t quantify how “funny” he or she is, but you can quantify how many times a
day they make you laugh. This is a chance for you to get creative with your numbers!
3. You need to show your formula(s), where your formulas came from, the categories,
their weights, reasons for giving each category its particular weight, and work for any
calculations. Remember, everything must be correctly labeled and justified.
Design your project as if an English or History teacher will grade this project, not a
math teacher!
4. You will also need to show at least three example calculations. For example, if you
do the parent’s rating, what would a parent for each member of your group rate?
5. Yes, grammar, spelling, and neatness count.
6. You will have 3 class periods to complete the project. We will be presenting your
projects the class period(s) after that.
7. Every group will need to be prepared to do a 3-5 minute presentation of their rating
system. All 2 (or 3) group members must participate in the presentation.
Whichever member is called on needs to be able to explain and justify the work.
8. After each presentation, the class and/or I will be able to ask the presenting group
questions. Asking good questions during other presentations can earn YOU extra points
on your project score.
9. You will fill out evaluation sheets for your group after the presentation.
10. You are welcome to use Power Point, Excel, Prezi, etc. for your presentations or you
can create a poster to display. If you create a poster, it must be easy to read from the
audience and contain all of the required information. Remember, you are welcome
to use any resource available to us to create your project.
11. If you create your project on Power Point, Excel, etc, please make sure to email/send
me a copy (ttaylor4@houstonisd.org) and save a copy for yourself of your final draft.
12. Please be sure to reference your sources. I do not mind if they are footnotes, listed
in a bibliography or in some other manner as long as they are noted.
13. You will need a minimum of 6 categories in your weighted average, which carries a
maximum grade of an 80. Eight categories are needed to earn up to a 90. You need
to have at least 10 categories to be able to earn up to a 100. Remember, that is the
maximum possible score. It does not mean you will earn a 90 just by creating eight
categories. You still need to have accurate math, complete work and justification, as
well as putting together a solid group presentation. It is very possible that a very good
six category project will have a higher score than a poorly organized, poorly worked,
poorly presented ten category project.
I will apply the following rubric when grading your project:

Number of Categories (5 points for 6 categories, 15 for 8 categories, 25 for 10
categories):
Each category is listed and explained in detail. Weights are assigned to each category
and reasons for the weights are thoroughly explained. Average/Rating formula is
listed in detail. Is there a maximum and/or minimum score?

Labels/Concepts (10 points):
Does every value & concept have its appropriate label and/or explanation?

Work/Examples (25 points):
Are there three sample calculations? Is every step shown for each calculation? Is it
easy to follow the work or are things jumbled and not in any organized order?

Presentation (20 points):
Does every group member participate and present project? Can all group members
explain and show understanding of the project? Is the project neat and easy to follow
or is it garish, over the top and/or unorganized? Can a teacher from another subject
come in and understand what your group did?

Peer Ranking (10 points):
How do your group members evaluate your contribution?

Evaluation Sheet (10 points):
Did you fill out your evaluation sheet giving detailed information about the work and
progress of your group members?