How mathematics is taught in the middle grades greatly impacts students' understanding of mathematical concepts in later years and, therefore, requires meaningful and connected learning experiences. This five-part series will take participants along for a deep dive into the standards for grades 6-8, looking at vertical alignment for overarching concepts within this grade band. Attendance at all sessions is not required. Participants can select those most critical for their classroom practices. Join us for this session to explore how to build a conceptual understanding of data and statistics in the middle grades as we reason with problem-solving situations that involve statistical investigations and data analysis. Teachers will learn during this MGM Institute and leave equipped with routines, strategies, and resources that enable them to facilitate content that empowers middle-grade learners.