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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can present soil texture data using creative techniques.

Key learning points

  1. Data made up of three parts can be shown on a triangular graph.
  2. Proportional shapes or symbols can be used to compare the size of data values.
  3. All forms of data presentation need to conform to particular standards and use conventions to make them readable.

Keywords

  • Proportional data - data that can be split up into constituent parts

  • Triangular graph - a graph with three axes used to display proportional data with three constituent parts

  • Proportional shape - a symbol on a map or in a graph that shows a value of data by the size at which it has been drawn

Common misconception

Proportional data can only be presented using a pie chart.

A pie chart is by far the most common method that geographers use, but any shape can be split into proportional sections.

Teacher tip

If you have access to a visualizer, use this to structure and plot the points on a triangular graph in real time. This tricky skill is often easier to comprehend when it is modelled to students.

Equipment

Triangular graph paper

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a sedimentary rock?

Granite
Correct answer: Chalk
Marble
Basalt

Q2.
Match the process to its definition:

Correct Answer:Erosion,Movement of broken-down rock

Movement of broken-down rock

Correct Answer:Deposition,Dropping of materials by wind or water

Dropping of materials by wind or water

Correct Answer:Weathering,Breaking down of rock where it is

Breaking down of rock where it is

Q3.
Rocks that form from cooled lava or magma are called rocks.

Correct Answer: igneous

Q4.
What causes physical weathering?

Correct answer: Freezing and thawing water
Acid rain
Plant roots
Wind carrying sand

Q5.
Which material forms the base of soil?

Leaf litter
Correct answer: Broken rock
Air
Earthworms

Q6.
Why are metamorphic rocks different from sedimentary rocks?

They form in water
They contain fossils
Correct answer: They are formed by heat and pressure
They are softer

5 Questions

Q1.
What is proportional data?

Data shown in a line graph
Data that includes only percentages
Correct answer: Data that is divided into parts of a whole
Data that must be measured in cm

Q2.
Which of the following is a correct statement about proportional data?

It can only be shown using a pie chart
It must always be presented as a table
Correct answer: It can be shown using different types of graphs
It does not help show parts of a whole

Q3.
A triangular graph is used to present data with how many parts?

Correct answer: 3
2
1
4

Q4.
Which data set is suitable for a triangular graph?

Temperature at 3 locations
Correct answer: Sand, silt and clay proportions
Rainfall per month
Wind speed at one point

Q5.
Why might you use a proportional symbol on a map?

To make it colourful
To show the location of anomalies
To measure infiltration
Correct answer: To display data values in a visual way

To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Fieldwork: Presenting soil data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...