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      Constructing scatter graphs by utilising technology

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can construct scatter graphs from data presented in a number of different ways using technology.

      Key learning points

      1. Scatter graphs can be constructed quickly using spreadsheets.
      2. Scatter graphs can be constructed quickly using Desmos.
      3. Changing which axis is used for which variable affects how the scatter graph appears.

      Keywords

      • Scatter graph - A visual representation for bivariate data. It can be useful when determining the nature of the relationship between the two variables

      Common misconception

      Pupils may struggle to assign the correct variable to the y-axis when graphing on a spreadsheet.

      Explain that the word "series" is used to mean the y-axis in this software.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils will need access to a computer and download copies of the data files for the lesson. The explanation slides may need to be adapted to suit which ever spreadsheet software pupils have access to (e.g. Excel).

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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 two options below are examples of spreadsheet software?

      Correct answer: Google Sheets
      Google Docs
      Correct answer: Microsoft Excel
      Microsoft Power Point

      Q2.
      Which type of graph is a visual representation for bivariate data?

      bar chart
      pictogram
      pie chart
      Correct answer: scatter graph

      Q3.
      Which is another term to describe the response variable in bivariate data?

      Correct answer: dependent variable
      independent variable
      explanatory variable

      Q4.
      Which two terms describe a measure in bivariate data whose value is predicted to affect the other measure?

      dependent variable
      Correct answer: explanatory variable
      Correct answer: independent variable
      response variable

      Q5.
      Which variable should be represented on the horizontal axis of a scatter graph?

      dependent variable
      Correct answer: independent variable

      Q6.
      A set of bivariate data measures hours of daylight in a day and maximum temperature for each day. Which variable is most likely to be the independent variable?

      Correct answer: hours of daylight
      maximum temperature

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel are examples of software.

      Correct Answer: spreadsheet, spread sheet

      Q2.
      Which is a correct description for a scatter graph?

      A circular graph where sectors represent different groups proportionally
      A graph consisting of bars to representing the frequency of objects or groups
      A graph consisting of pictures to represent the frequency of objects or groups
      Correct answer: A graph consisting of two axes to visually represent bivariate data

      Q3.
      Which keyboard short cut allows you to copy data that has been highlighted in a spreadsheet?

      Correct answer: ctrl + c
      ctrl + v
      shift + c
      shift + v

      Q4.
      When plotting a scatter graph on a spreadsheet, what do you need to select to edit the vertical axis?

      dependent
      Correct answer: series
      $$x$$-axis
      $$y$$-axis

      Q5.
      What steps do you need to take to plot a scatter graph in Desmos, after you have inputted a set of bivariate data?

      Click on 'insert' on the ribbon menu and then select 'chart'.
      Correct answer: Nothing - Desmos will plot a scatter graph automatically.
      Right click on the workspace and select 'insert graph'.
      Type 'scatterplot' into the next empty cell and then select your data.

      Q6.
      Look at the scatter graph. Which of the two towns tends to be warmer?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: Town A
      Town B

      To help you plan your 8 maths lesson on: Constructing scatter graphs by utilising technology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...