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Example 2.

Math -- Middle Grades

Dear Family Partner,

In math, we are finding and using averages to discuss some common facts. I hope that you enjoy this activity with me.

This assignment is due: _________

Student's Signature:_______________________


1

Explain this example to your family partner.
Remember: To find the average (mean) for a set of data:

  1. Add all of the data
  2. Divide by the number of pieces of data
  3. Round to the nearest whole number, if necessary
Data: 4, 9, 5, 6, 11
Add: 4+9+5+6+11=35
Five pieces of data
Divide by number of items in set: 35 divided by 5 = 7
Average (Mean) = 7

2 3
Show your family members how you do this example.
Data: 7, 13, 23, 3, 17, 9, 12
Add:
Divide by number of items:
Average (Mean) =

3

Complete these examples on your own. Show your work.
Explain one example to your family partner.
  1. List the ages of all your family and find the mean age.
    Data:
    Add:
    Divide by number of items:
    Average (Mean) = ____. Is your age close to the mean?

  2. Find the mean shoe size for all your family (round half sizes up).
    Data:
    Add:
    Divide by number of items
    Average (Mean) = ____. Is your shoe size close to the mean?

  3. Find the mean height (in inches) of all your family.
    Data:
    Add:
    Divide by number of items
    Average (Mean) = ____. Is your height close to the mean?

4
People use averages or means to report survey results.
Poll four family members or friends. Include at least one family member.

Ask:
How many hours each day do you work (at school, at a job, or at home)?
How many hours each night do you sleep?

Find the average (mean) amount of time the people you selected work and sleep each day.

Explain your results to a family member. Discuss with your family member:

Would I find the same mean if I surveyed only friends my own age? Why or why not?

Answer to "Now Try This"

Add: 7+13+ 23+ 3+ 17+ 9+ 12= 84
Divide by the number of items: 84 divided by 7 =12
Average (Mean)=12
5

Dear Parent/Family Member,

Your comments about your child's work in this activity are important. Please write "Yes" or "No" for each statement.

____ My child understood the homework and was able to discuss it.

____ My child and I enjoyed this activity.

____ This assignment helps me understand what my child is learning in math.

Other comments:

This example is reprinted with permission from: Epstein, Salinas, Jackson, and Van Voorhis. TEACHERS INVOLVE PARENTS IN SCHOOLWORK (TIPS), INTERACTIVE HOMEWORK FOR THE MIDDLE GRADES. Baltimore: Center on School, Family, and Community Partnership, Johns Hopkins University, 2000.