Climate Stat Detectives

Investigation Part 1: Temperature & Variability (ELL Scaffolded) Page 1 of 2

PART 2: PRECIPITATION & EXTREME OUTLIERS

How Weather Outliers Distort Data • ELL Supported

Rainfall Analysis

Key Term: Outlier (Valor Atípico): An extreme data value that is significantly higher or lower than all the other numbers. In August, Station Beta recorded a record 6.8-inch monsoon flash flood.

Table 2: Monthly Precipitation (Inches / Pulgadas)

* 6.8 in: Tropical monsoon storm outlier.

Station Beta: WITH 6.8-inch Outlier (12 Months)

Sum of all 12 months:

Mean (Sum ÷ 12):

Median (Middle):

Range (6.8 − 0.2):

Station Beta: WITHOUT Outlier (11 Typical Months)

Sum of 11 months (Skip August):

Mean (Sum ÷ 11):

Median (Middle):

Range (0.8 − 0.2):

Question 3: How did the 6.8-inch flood affect the mean vs median? Which measure best shows "typical" rainfall?

Sentence Frame: The extreme rainstorm pulled the _________ (mean / median) from 0.53 in to 1.05 in. The _________ is the better measure of typical rainfall because...

Question 4: An investor wants to grow frost-sensitive lemon trees (freeze damage under 28°F). Which station should they choose?

Sentence Frame: The investor should choose Station _________ because its minimum temperature is _____°F. Station Beta is dangerous because...

Word Bank:

minimum / mínimo extreme flood / inundación resistant / resistente variability / variación

Investigation Part 2: Rainfall & Statistical Decision-Making (ELL Scaffolded) Page 2 of 2

Teacher Guide: Lesson Pacing & ELL Differentiation Page 1 of 2

COMPLETE ANSWER KEY & SOLUTIONS

Climate Comparison Worksheet • Detailed Scoring Rubric

Answer Key

Part 1: Temperature Calculations (Page 1 Solutions)

Station Alpha (Pacific Coast)

Ordered Data: 50, 50, 52, 54, 54, 56, 57, 57, 59, 59, 60, 60

Sum: 648  |  Mean: 648 ÷ 12 = 54.0°F

6th & 7th Values: 56 and 57

Median: (56 + 57) ÷ 2 = 56.5°F

Max: 60°F  |  Min: 50°F  |  Range: 60 − 50 = 10.0°F

Station Beta (Inland Plateau)

Ordered Data: 26, 30, 34, 40, 44, 52, 56, 62, 70, 72, 80, 82

Sum: 648  |  Mean: 648 ÷ 12 = 54.0°F

6th & 7th Values: 52 and 56

Median: (52 + 56) ÷ 2 = 54.0°F

Max: 82°F  |  Min: 26°F  |  Range: 82 − 26 = 56.0°F

Question 1 Sample Response (Centers Comparison): Both stations have equal mean temperatures (54°F) and similar medians (56.5°F vs 54°F), but residents experience very different weather. Station Alpha remains mild all year, while Station Beta swings from subfreezing winter conditions (26°F) to hot summer heat (82°F).

Question 2 Sample Response (Range & Variability): Station Beta has far greater variability because its range is 46°F larger (56°F vs 10°F). Station Alpha's temperatures are stabilized by the Pacific Ocean, which absorbs and releases heat slowly, whereas the inland desert landscape experiences rapid temperature swings.

Part 2: Precipitation & Outliers (Page 2 Solutions)

Station Beta: With Outlier (12 Months)

Sum: 12.6 in  |  Mean: 12.6 ÷ 12 = 1.05 in

Ordered: 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.6, 0.6, 0.6, 0.6, 0.8, 6.8

Median: (0.5 + 0.6) ÷ 2 = 0.55 in  |  Range: 6.8 − 0.2 = 6.60 in

Station Beta: Without Outlier (11 Months)

Sum: 5.8 in  |  Mean: 5.8 ÷ 11 ≈ 0.53 in

Ordered: 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.6, 0.6, 0.6, 0.6, 0.8

Median: 6th value = 0.50 in  |  Range: 0.8 − 0.2 = 0.60 in

Question 3 Sample Response (Outlier Impact): The 6.8-inch flood pulled the mean up from 0.53 in to 1.05 in (doubled), but the median barely changed (0.50 in to 0.55 in). The median is the best measure of typical monthly rainfall because it resists extreme, rare flood outliers.

Question 4 Sample Response (Agricultural Decision): The investor must choose Station Alpha. Although both have a 54°F mean, Station Alpha's lowest temperature is 50°F (well above the 28°F freeze threshold). Station Beta's minimum is 26°F with 3 winter months below 40°F, which would kill lemon trees.

Teacher Guide: Complete Answer Key & Scoring Criteria Page 2 of 2