Statistics - The Mean (Activity) - Planning

In this Year 6 activity lesson, students are introduced to the concept of the mean as a measure of average in a set of numbers. The lesson utilises practical resources such as worksheets, presentations, and physical counters or blocks to engage the children and enhance their understanding. Key vocabulary including 'mean', 'average', 'equal', and 'calculate' is highlighted, with additional resources available to help clarify definitions. The lesson starts with a recap of prior learning and leads into an interactive demonstration using blocks to visually represent the process of finding the mean by ensuring each column has an equal amount of items.

Following the visual demonstration, the students are challenged with an activity where they are given a mean value and must work out possible sets of numbers that could result in that mean. This encourages them to think critically and apply their understanding of the mean in reverse. The 'Give me five' reflection exercise at the end of the lesson prompts students to consider what they've learned, the skills they've used and found challenging, the resources that were helpful, and what they aim to remember moving forward. By manipulating blocks or counters to create equal heights, students practice calculating the mean in a hands-on manner, reinforcing their learning through both visual and practical means.