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Mathematics - Secondary Curriculum Mathematics Grade 8
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Strand: STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (8.SP)

Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data (Standards 8.SP.1-4).

Standard 8.SP.2

Know that straight lines are widely used to model relationships between two quantitative variables. For scatter plots that suggest a linear association, informally fit a straight line, and informally assess the model fit by judging the closeness of the data points to the line.

  • Animal Brains
    The purpose of this task is for students to create scatterplots, and think critically about associations and outliers in data as well as informally fit a trend line to data. This task provides an example of how students could informally fit a line to bivariate data without using technology to "magically" make the line appear.
  • Birds' Eggs
    This task asks students to glean contextual information about bird eggs from a collection of measurements of said eggs organized in a scatter plot. In particular, students are asked to identify a correlation and use it to make interpolative predictions, and reason about the properties of specific eggs via the graphical presentation of the data.
  • Bivariate Data and Analysis: Anthropological Studies
    This lesson opens with a video from an anthropologist explaining how he uses bivariate data to examine the impact that slavery had on the slave's height and weight. Students then use his data in the classroom activity which has them study the relationship between tibia and femur measurements and a person's stature. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
  • Chapter 6 - Mathematical Foundation (UMSMP)
    This is Chapter 6 of the Utah Middle School Math: Grade 8 textbook. It provides a Mathematical Foundation for Statistics: Investigate patterns of Association in Bivariate Data.
  • Chapter 6 - Student Workbook (UMSMP)
    This is Chapter 6 of the Utah Middle School Math: Grade 8 student workbook. It focuses on Statistics: Investigate patterns of Association in Bivariate Data.
  • Create a Graph
    This applet allows students to create bar, line, area, pie, and XY graphs.
  • Grade 8 Unit 6: Linear Models and Tables (Georgia Standards)
    In this unit students will identify the rate of change and the initial value from tables, graphs, equations, or verbal descriptions; write a model for a linear function; sketch a graph when given a verbal description of a situation; analyze scatter plots; informally develop a line of best fit; use bivariate data to create graphs and linear models; and recognize patterns and interpret bivariate data.
  • Laptop Battery Charge
    This task uses a situation that is familiar to students to solve a problem they probably have all encountered before: How long will it take until an electronic device has a fully charged battery? The goal of the task is to find and use a linear model answer this question.
  • Lesson Starter: Populated Communities
    Students will use statistics and probability knowledge, as well as critical thinking skills, to solve problems.
  • Linear Regression and Correlation
    In this lesson students will plot data onto a scatter plot and then determine the line of best fit for the data sets.
  • Multi-Function Data Flyer
    The applet in this lesson allows students to plot ordered pairs and then change the values in order to observe the effects of those changes.
  • Scatter Plot
    The applet included in this lesson allows the student to enter ordered pairs and plot them.
  • Simple Plot
    The applet in this lesson plan allows the student to plot ordered pairs and understand functions.
  • Statistics and Probability (8.SP) - 8th Grade Core Guide
    The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and educators around the state of Utah developed these guides for Mathematics Grade 8 Statistics and Probability.
  • Student Task: Bird's Eggs
    In this task students will user a scatter graph to investigate a possible connection between the length and width of bird's eggs.
  • Student Task: Birds' Eggs
    In this task, students use a scatter graph to look for patterns in the size of birds' eggs.
  • Student Task: Scatter Diagram
    In this task, students will use a scatter diagram to compare the results of two school tests.
  • Student Task: Short Tasks - Statistics and Probability
    A set of short tasks for grades 7 and 8 reinforcing statistics and probability.
  • Student Task: Sugar Prices
    In this task, students must use a graph showing the prices and weights of bags of sugar to find the bag offering the best value for money.
  • Univariate and Bivariate Data
    This lesson helps students understand these two types of data and choose the best type of graph or measure appropriate to each.


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Lindsey  Henderson and see the Mathematics - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.