I can calculate mean, median, mode, and range and choose the statistic that best supports a question.
POE Unit 4 • Lesson 4.5
Mean, Median, Mode, and Range
Focus question: How do measures of center and spread tell different parts of the story about mission performance?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused sequence that advances the mission-performance investigation.
Opening promptConcept modelGuided practiceInteractive applicationEvidence checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Central tendency calculation sheet
All four measures are correct and the selected statistic is justified using the data distribution.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
Each step builds the data, motion, or testing reasoning required for today’s deliverable.
1. Order the data
Arrange results so the median, mode, and range are visible.
2. Calculate each measure
Show work and include units.
3. Choose the useful statistic
Explain which measure best answers the engineering question.
Lesson Interactive
Describe the Test Dataset
Apply the lesson concept to a mission-performance scenario. Use the feedback to correct your reasoning before completing the main deliverable.
Rover Completion Times (s)
1214141520
The value 20 is noticeably higher than the other trials.
Order the data, calculate all four measures, and consider the influence of the 20-second trial.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Central tendency calculation sheet
Create one focused engineering artifact that demonstrates today’s learning.
- Calculate mean, median, mode, and range with units.
- Explain which measure best represents typical performance and why.
Exit Ticket
Mission Debrief
State the most important data-analysis or motion concept from today in your own words.
Name the measurement, calculation, graph feature, or test decision that supports your conclusion.
Identify one uncertainty, limitation, or next test that would strengthen the evidence.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 4.5 PowerPoint
Use the presentation to review the lesson concepts, examples, and activity directions.
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and course information.
Mission Data Investigation
Use the integrated investigation context when connecting trial design, statistics, kinematics, graphs, and recommendations.