How to Create Stem and Leaf Plots: Integers, Large Numbers, and Decimals

The Organic Chemistry Tutor

This instructional video provides a comprehensive tutorial on constructing stem and leaf plots, a common statistical tool for organizing data. The narrator guides viewers through three distinct examples of increasing complexity: a standard set of two-digit integers, a set containing three-digit numbers to demonstrate how to handle values over 100, and a final set involving decimal numbers. Each example is worked through step-by-step, from organizing the raw data to populating the chart. Key themes include data organization, place value recognition, and the importance of creating a "key" to interpret the plot correctly. The video emphasizes the strategy of grouping data in ascending order before plotting to ensure accuracy. It also addresses specific edge cases, such as how to handle empty intervals within a data range (gaps in data) and how to split numbers into stems and leaves when they exceed two digits. For educators, this video serves as an excellent direct instruction tool or review resource for middle school statistics units. It visually demonstrates the mechanics of the plot, allowing teachers to pause and have students predict the placement of numbers. The progression from simple integers to decimals makes it versatile for different proficiency levels, ensuring students understand that stem and leaf plots can handle various data types beyond just simple whole numbers.