This lesson considers properties of the normal distribution, including its definition, the empirical rule, and how to calculate probabilities for variables that can be modeled by it. Probabilities are computed using a normal probability table and Minitab.

Sample Topics

  • Potato chips
  • IQ scores
  • Mitosis
  • Flight simulator survival

Lesson Targets

  • View, recognize, and graph a normal distribution
  • Calculate probabilities associated with a normal distribution
  • Standardize x values to compute z-scores
  • Compute x values for given probabilities

Materials Included

  • Lesson overview with instructor's notes
  • Activity sheet containing 11 exercises
  • Activity answer key