LiC: Population Statistics
Lesson: Analyzing Textbook Difficulty (45–60 minutes)
Overview:
The LiC: Population Statistics Tool is ideal for making comparative inferences about
the difficulty of textbooks at two different grade levels, an example taken directly
from the Common Core State Math Standards on probability for seventh grade. This
exploration also provides an ideal opportunity to introduce and illustrate two
statistical terms: measures of center and measures of variability.
Objectives:
In this lesson, students will:
 Analyze the difficultly of textbooks at two different levels
 Understand the statistical terms, measures of center and measures of
variability
Materials/Technology:
 LiC: Population Statistics Tool
 Textbooks at two different grade levels
Instructional Plan:
1. Introduce the task of comparing the difficulty level of textbooks at two grade
levels. Tell students that they may assume that the textbook from the highergrade level is more advanced but ask how this can be measured. Take
student suggestions and lead them towards analyzing length of words as one
possible measure.
2. Discuss random sampling. Take student contributions and set up a procedure
for choosing random words from each grade-level textbook.
3. Discuss sampling size. Ask students how the sample size might affect the
accuracy of the experiment. Determine an agreed upon sample size.
4. Introduce LiC: Population Statistics as a tool that can be used to help collect
and interpret the data from the experiment. If this is students’ first
experience with the tool, they will need more modeling about how to set up
and begin inputting data.
5. Give students time to gather data and input it into the LiC: Population
Statistics Tool.
6. As students begin to analyze the data and form conclusions, break to
introduce the terms, measures of center (mean, median, mode) and measures
of variability (range). Ask students to think about how the two terms apply to
this analysis of textbook difficulty.
7. Discuss results with the following questions:
 What can they infer from the experiment?
 Do students and groups agree? Why or why not?
 What do the measures of center tell students?
 What do the measures of variability tell students?

Do they feel the results were accurate? How could the procedure be
improved?
Assessment Strategies
 Observe students conducting experiments and inputting data into LiC:
Population Statistics.
 Create a self-assessment rubric for students to use at the conclusion of the
lesson to measure their performance.
Standards:
This lesson is designed to address the following Common Core State Standards:
 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.SP.A.1
 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.SP.A.2
 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.SP.B.3
 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.SP.B.4
Next Steps:
This would be an effective lead-in to a more in-depth project focused on
independent research comparing two populations of students’ choices.