Correlation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recognise relationships between bivariate data represented on a scatter graph.
Key learning points
- The distribution of data points may suggest positive correlation.
- The distribution of data points may suggest negative correlation.
- The distribution of data points may suggest no correlation.
- Correlation does not imply causation
Keywords
Correlation - Correlation describes the extent to which the relationship is close to a linear relationship.
Common misconception
Correlation always means that one of the variables is affecting the other variable.
Correlation only suggests variables may be related somehow. Show examples where variables correlate because they both depend on population.
Teacher tip
In the first learning cycle, ask students to consider other things in a town/city that may change depending on the size of the population. Imagine whether these things might have a positive or negative correlation and why.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Bivariate data has variables that are together.
Q2.Which type of graph can be used to display bivariate data by plotting coordinates on a grid?
Q3.Which variable is usually assigned to the horizontal axis of a scatter graph?
Q4.Which scatter graphs shows a case where as one variable increases the other variable also tends to increase?
Q5.In which graph does the line have a positive gradient?
Q6.The line in the graph has a gradient.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The word describes the extent to which the association is close to a linear association.
Q2.A positive correlation suggests that as the independent variable increases, the dependent variable .
Q3.Which graph shows a negative correlation?
Q4.Which type of correlation best describes the data in the scatter graph?
Q5.Which graph could be described as having an association/relationship which is not linear?
Q6.True or false? Correlation always implies that one variable is affecting the other.
To help you plan your 8 maths lesson on: Correlation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 maths lesson on: Correlation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Numerical summaries of data unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.