Students practice reading, analyzing, interpreting, drawing conclusions, and identifying trends using scatter plot graphs in this 3 part lesson. They complete activities instructing them on how to identify positive, negative, or no trends and then apply this knowledge to determine the message of different scatter plots.

Ontario Math Curriculum Expectations:

D1.1

identify situations involving one-variable data and situations involving two-variable data, and explain when each type of data is needed

D1.6

analyse different sets of data presented in various ways, including in scatter plots and in misleading graphs, by asking and answering questions about the data, challenging preconceived notions, and drawing conclusions, then make convincing arguments and informed decisions

D1.3

select from among a variety of graphs, including scatter plots, the type of graph best suited to represent various sets of data; display the data in the graphs with proper sources, titles, and labels, and appropriate scales; and justify their choice of graphs

This problem-solving approach provides students with the opportunities to apply reasoning skills, select tools, problem-solving and computational strategies, create a variety of representations of mathematical ideas, communicate and defend their ideas, and reflect on and monitor their thinking.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Tips Sheet: This detailed guide will provide you with a breakdown of each part of the lesson.

• Getting Started: Your students will be lead through an activity that helps them determine trends and important information listed in scatter plots.

• Working On It: Two rich problem-solving tasks in which students can work with a partner, in a small group, or individually. Task #1 requires students to match 6 different scatterplots with their missing titles and justify their reasoning. Task #2 has students guess what 3 different labelless scatter plots could be comparing based on the direction of the data they show.

• Exit Ticket: Each student will complete the exit ticket independently. This work is used for assessment purposes and allows the teacher to identify common misconceptions or areas of need. It is also a great opportunity for the teacher to provide individualized descriptive feedback.

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OTHER MATH ACTIVITIES BY BLUE SKY SCHOLASTICS:

• Building Graphing Skills
• Double Bar Graphs Problem Solving Activities (Read, interpret, draw conclusions)
• Probability End of the Unit Summative Assessment Task for Grade 6
• Probability End of the Unit Summative Assessment Task for Grade 7
• Comparing Theoretical Probabilities - A Problem Solving Activity
• Using a probability number line to describe the likelihood of an event occurring
• Converting Fractions to Percentages - A Math Problem Solving Activity
• Using Percent Benchmarks to Estimate Quantities - A Problem Solving Activity

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