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High School Grade  Project 2 weeks

Touchdowns, Trends, and Math Magic

Breckyn A
Updated
HS.S-MD.B.7
HS.S-ID.A.2
HS.S-ID.A.3
HS.S-ID.A.1
HS.S-ID.A.4
+ 4 more
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Purpose

You will use NFL player statistics to explain a team’s success and performance.
You will compare distributions using plots, center, spread, shape, and outliers.
You will test strategy decisions with probability and judge when normal models fit.
You will present what numbers reveal, what they hide, and how evidence supports your conclusions.

Learning goals

You can model NFL performance data with dot plots, histograms, and box plots. Dot plots show each value as a point. You can compare teams using mean, median, interquartile range, and standard deviation. Mean is the average score. You can explain how shape, center, spread, and outliers change a team’s statistical story. Shape shows how the data is arranged. You can use probability to compare NFL strategies and support a decision. You can fit normal distributions, estimate percentages, and judge when this model fails.

Standards
  • [Colorado] HS.S-MD.B.7 - (+) Analyze decisions and strategies using probability concepts (e.g., product testing, medical testing, pulling a hockey goalie at the end of a game).
  • [Colorado] HS.S-ID.A.2 - Use statistics appropriate to the shape of the data distribution to compare center (median, mean) and spread (interquartile range, standard deviation) of two or more different data sets.
  • [Colorado] HS.S-ID.A.3 - Interpret differences in shape, center, and spread in the context of the data sets, accounting for possible effects of extreme data points (outliers).
  • [Colorado] HS.S-ID.A.1 - Model data in context with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and box plots).
  • [Colorado] HS.S-ID.A.4 - Use the mean and standard deviation of a data set to fit it to a normal distribution and to estimate population percentages and identify data sets for which such a procedure is not appropriate. Use calculators, spreadsheets, and tables to estimate areas under the normal curve.
Competencies
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.

Products

Create a spreadsheet comparing two NFL teams with sourced player and team data. Make dot plots, histograms, and box plots for each team's performance. Calculate and interpret center, spread, outliers, normal estimates, and probability-based strategy choices. Center means the middle value. Spread means how far the values vary. Outliers are values far from the rest. Create an infographic explaining team success and where the numbers hide important context. Present your findings, receive peer feedback, revise your infographic, and submit a reflection.

Launch

Choose which of two anonymous NFL teams had the more successful season.
Use player statistics, then show your reasoning with one quick plot.
Compare your claim with a partner, then note one statistic that changed your thinking.
After seeing team names, ask what the numbers reveal and what they hide.

Exhibition

Display your individual NFL data story at a public Stats Combine for families and community members. Use plots and statistics. Statistics are numbers that help explain what happened. Use them to show how NFL stats show a team’s success story. Show what stats reveal about performance. Show where numbers hide the full story. Defend one probability-based team decision. Probability means how likely something is to happen. Then answer audience questions about your evidence. Collect audience feedback. Add a final reflection with one insight and one limitation.