The mean: what children learn
In this game children find the mean of small data sets, and work backwards from a mean to a total. Every mean is a whole number, so children can focus on the method.
Supports part of Common Core 6.SP.B.5.c: measures of center, here the mean. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 6.SP.B.5.c. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
How to play
Answer 10 questions before the clock runs out. Tap an answer, or press 1 to 4. Each game has 10 multiple-choice questions and a 150-second timer. A wrong answer shows the correct one before moving on. You earn up to three stars depending on your score.
Step by step
- Add all the values. For 4, 6 and 8, the total is 18.
- Count the values. There are 3 values.
- Divide the total by the count. 18 ÷ 3 = 6. The mean is 6.
- Check it is sensible. The mean must be between the smallest and largest values.
Worked examples
Example 1: What is the mean of 4, 6 and 8?
Working: 4 + 6 + 8 = 18. 18 ÷ 3 = 6.
Answer: 6
Example 2: What is the mean of 1, 9, 2 and 8?
Working: 1 + 9 + 2 + 8 = 20. 20 ÷ 4 = 5.
Answer: 5
Example 3: 5 children have a mean score of 10. What is their total score?
Working: Mean × number of values = total. 10 × 5 = 50.
Answer: 50
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Dividing by the wrong number, often forgetting a zero in the data. Count every value, including zeros, before dividing.
- Giving the total instead of the mean. Remember there are two steps: add, then divide.
- Confusing the mean with the middle value. The middle value is the median. The mean uses every value.
Activities to try at home
- Find the mean number of goals your team scored over its last few matches.
- Measure everyone's hand span and find the mean.
- Ask: if the mean of three numbers is 5, what could the numbers be?
Ideas for the classroom
- Students make towers of cubes and level them out to show the mean physically.
- Give a mean and a count and ask students to invent a data set that fits.
- Discuss when the mean is a fair average and when an outlier makes it misleading.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a color-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Supports part of Common Core 6.SP.B.5.c: measures of center, here the mean. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Why is the mean useful?
It gives one number that represents a whole set of data, so groups of different sizes can be compared fairly.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Press 1, 2, 3 or 4 to choose an answer.