Polygraph: Normal distribution curves

This Polygraph is designed to spark vocabulary-rich conversations about normal distribution curves and their shape. Key vocabulary that may appear in student questions includes: shaded, centre, symmetric about 0, mean, average, spread, standard deviation, one tail, area. In the early rounds of the game, students may notice features from the list above, even though they may not use those words to describe them. That’s where you can step in. After most students have played 2-3 games, consider taking a short break to discuss strategy, highlight effective questions, and encourage students in their use of increasingly precise academic language. Then ask them to play several more games, putting that precise language to work.

By Becky Hall