Writing a data summary
Write a complete summary of a numerical data set in relation to its context, bringing together: the number of observations; the attribute, how it was measured and its units; a measure of centre with a matching measure of variability, each with units, chosen between median with IQR and mean with MAD; the overall pattern and any striking deviations, interpreted in context; and a justification of that choice by the shape of the distribution and the context (e.g. median and IQR for skewed data or data with extreme values, mean and MAD for roughly symmetric data without extreme values)
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Writing a data summary means practising the idea at the table with counters or paper models and one clear check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”
Bring to the table
- Two overlapping circles drawn on paper
- Counter tokens or number cards
Extra for the adult
Worked example. 6 is even and a multiple of 3, so it goes in the overlap.
Optional challenge. For Writing a data summary, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Writing a data summary, not mastery.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Writing a data summary means practising the idea at the table with counters or paper models and one clear check. We will demo once, then your child tries.
Materials: Two overlapping circles drawn on paper; Counter tokens or number cards. 1. Say the goal of Writing a data summary in plain words once. 2. Adult sorts numbers into A, B, both, or neither for “even” and “multiple of 3”. 3. Child sorts three sets into a Venn diagram and counts each region. 4. Fresh check: one fresh item placement in the overlap. Record and stop. Done: three correctly sorted Venn diagrams with region counts. Proof: parent note of examples and results. Stop: End after the fresh check; keep optional challenge for another day.
Family records and proof options
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Practice this concept
Start practiceWriting a data summary practice
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Learning resources
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Secondary
Before you open · source notes
Secondary supports Writing a data summary. An adult previews and guides; this is a learning page, not a scored quiz.
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Before you openAsk the learner one fact they learned and one question they still have.
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Source, access and review notes
Public NRICH page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
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Check understanding
- Write a summary of 25 pupils' reaction times that states n, the attribute, how it was measured and the units, a centre and a matching measure of spread with units, and any unusual value
- Choose the median and IQR rather than the mean and MAD for a set of journey times with a long tail of slow journeys, and justify the choice by that tail
- Rewrite the summary 'the average is 14' as 'the 30 pupils' median journey time is 14 minutes, with the middle half of times between 9 and 22 minutes'
“If your child timed how long 25 friends took to solve a puzzle, could they write a short report saying how many were timed, how the times were measured, a typical time and how spread out the times were (with units) — and mention any time that stood out?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Data & Statistics
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards