This math unit starts by introducing students to basic concepts of scatter plots, teaching them to identify and differentiate between independent and dependent variables. As the unit progresses, it builds on these skills by having students identify explanatory and dependent variables based on the trends they observe in scatter plots. Students then learn to discern the direction of associations between variables—whether they exhibit positive, negative, or no correlation as one variable changes in relation to another. Further developing their analytical skills, the unit guides students toward more quantitative assessments of data by having them evaluate the strength of correlations within scatter plots, ranging from no correlation to strong correlation. As the unit advances, students apply their understanding to make predictions based on given independent values, and identify correlation direction based on visual data. The unit culminates with students determining both the correlation direction and strength more precisely and learning to estimate the correlation coefficient \( r \), which quantifies the linear relationship between two variables. This progression thoroughly equips students with critical skills for interpreting and analyzing data visually and statistically in real-world contexts.Skills you will learn include:
Topics are small, focused areas which build towards the greater unit's goals.