Scatterplots are a valuable tool for analyzing and visualizing the relationship between two variables and identifying patterns, trends, and outliers in data. Not only are they used in many fields including science, business, and engineering, but studying scatterplots can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. Some of the activities suggested below include comparing students’ height and shoe size, incorporating candy as a plotting tool, and using digital resources to easily visualize correlations and trends.
1. Online Linear Graph
This free online program allows students to easily graph and visualize the relationship between two variables. The resulting scatterplot helps them to identify trends, patterns, and correlations in their data.
Learn More: Shodor
2. Online Tool for Independent Practice
This scatterplot activity helps students understand the relationships between variables. Students identify different types of correlations such as linear vs nonlinear association, strong vs weak association, and increasing vs decreasing plots. The activity provides a hands-on approach to learning about data analysis and visualization.
Learn More: Teacher Desmos
3. Hula Hoop Scatterplot Activity
This activity aims to establish a relationship between the number of people holding hands in a line and the time it takes to pass a hula hoop from one end of the line to the other. It helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while improving their teamwork skills.
Learn More: Mr. Punpanichgul Math
4. Bring Chocolate into Math Class
In this inventive activity, students count the number of each color of M&M in a bag and plot the data on a scatterplot. They then analyze the plot to determine if there is a correlation between the number of each color of M&Ms. The use of a familiar and tasty item, such as M&Ms, makes the activity enjoyable for students and helps them stay engaged.
Learn More: Illuminations
5. Scatter Plots Activity to Determine Relationship Between Height and Shoe Size
In this hands-on lesson, students measure their own height and shoe size and plot the data on a scatterplot. They then analyze the plot to determine if there is a correlation between the two variables.
Learn More: NCTM.org
6. Scatter Plot Activity to Determine Earthquake Probability
This activity involves plotting earthquake data on a scatterplot to visualize the relationship between the magnitude and frequency of seismic activity. Students analyze the plot to determine if there is a correlation between the two variables and use their observations to make predictions about future earthquakes.
Learn More: Eric Ed Gov
7. Gallery Walk Activity With Graph Paper
This multipage pre-made digital activity can easily be converted gallery walk where students walk around the classroom and view different scatterplots displayed by their classmates. They must then analyze each scatterplot, identify the type of relationship, and make predictions based on the data.
Learn More: Made by Teachers
8. Favorite Activity to Learn About Correlation Between Variables
This perfect activity idea which includes a handy printable answer key uses real-world sports data to allow students to explore the relationship between two variables such as a player’s height and their scoring average in basketball.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
9. Learn About Linear Correlation with an Escape Room Challenge
Solve puzzles, crack codes, and analyze scatterplots to escape the room before time runs out! Students are sure to love putting their data analysis skills to the test and have a blast learning about scatterplots in this exciting escape room experience!
Learn More: Ampedup Learning
10. Learn About Linear Relationships with a Scavenger Hunt
Students are given a list of clues and must find and analyze scatterplots in the classroom. Each correct answer leads to the next clue until they solve the final challenge.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
11. Learn About Mathematical Relationships
In this real-world activity, students use sports stats to create scatterplots comparing wins and salaries for different sports. Let’s see if more money means more wins!
Learn More: Yummy Math
12. Ideal Linear Regression Activity
This line of best-fit activity features a video to help students visualize the concepts, making them easier to understand, and a worksheet to provide them with an opportunity to apply what they have learned and to test their understanding.
Learn More: Online Math Learning
13. Scatterplot Fit Matching Activity
These scatter graph worksheets provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and test their understanding of scatter plots.
Learn More: Twinkl
14. Line of Best Fit Worksheet
These line of best-fit worksheets provide students with a hands-on approach to improving their understanding of correlation while preparing for real-world applications -as these graphs are widely used in many technical and scientific fields.
Learn More: Twinkl
15. Scatter Plots and Lines of Best Fit
In this activity, students will learn how to create scatterplots, identify correlations, and find lines of best fit. They will also practice making predictions based on the data while developing critical thinking skills.
Learn More: Nagwa.com
16. Scatterplots Video Lesson
This video about scatter plots introduces key concepts, vocabulary, and engaging visual aids to support active learning. The video provides a step-by-step demonstration to keep students engaged and motivated to learn.
Learn More: Generation Genius
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