Whether you are calculating the mean (average) of your grades or the mean number of students who eat cafeteria food, this tool is for you!

Engaging Questions

• What was the total when you added all the items together?

• What was the total count of items to be added together?

Teacher Goals

• An individual can apply this tool to any quantifiable entity for which a (mean) average is needed.

Required Resources

• Rubric
  Use this as an assessment resource for How Mean Are Your Numbers?

  • Checklist

• Checklists (Rubrics)
  Use this rubric to check yourself.

  • Mean Archive Form

• Sample Guide:

  • Use the example below to record and then sum your numbers.

  • Student Mean Sample

Steps

1. Record & Sum

   Use the example below to record and then sum your numbers.

   Average Height
   Student	Height (inches)
   Sarah	74
   Mike	64
   Jone	71.5
   Joe	58
   Wendy	80
   Bertha	70
   Noe	69
   Su	75
   Joel	80
   Juan	68
   Sum	709.5

2. Divide

   The sum from step 1 will be divided by the total number of items.  This will give you the mean (average), i. e., 709.5 divided by 10 equals 70.95.

Teacher Notes

• Students will need to make sure their answers are reasonable by checking to see if the mean is between the "high" and the "low" scores of their subject.  

• The mean is an excellent tool to use to give an overall description of something and to make comparisons among groups.

Learner Notes

• It is a good idea to make sure your answer is reasonable before giving it to your teacher. Check to see if the mean you calculated is a value between the "high" and the "low" scores for your subject.

Mentor Notes

• You will need to examine your daughter or son's answer to see if the reported mean is reasonable. Check to see if the mean calculated is a value between the "high" and the "low" scores for the subject.