Minds On

Creating a set of data

Throughout this learning activity, you can record your ideas digitally, orally, or in print. Select one of the following and answer the questions:

  1. Create a possible set of data collected from at least 10 people about the number of seeds they planted in the spring and the number of plants that are growing in their garden in the summer.

Or,

  1. Create a possible set of data collected from at least 10 people about the number of days per week they exercise and the number of minutes (duration) per day of exercise.

Brainstorm

Reviewing the data

  • What are some things that you might notice about the data?
  • How could you display this data to communicate what you have noticed?
  • How many variables are there?

Action

Task 1: Create a scatter plot to graph relationships

Scatter plots are used to represent two-variable data as points on a graph. They are helpful in displaying a relationship that may exist between the two variables.

In a two-variable situation, one variable may depend on another which means that its value would change according to the value of the independent variable.

An independent variable is the controlled variable that is not affected by the other variable.

A dependent variable is the variable that is being studied or measured.

In the case of a scatter plot, we’re attempting to determine whether there is a relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variable. For example, the number of hours that a learner spends on practising their instrument can be related to the accuracy of their notes in a performance. The accuracy (dependent variable) is dependent on the number of hours of practice (the independent variable).

Steps to creating a scatter plot

Use clues from the text in the following matching activity to determine the correct sequence for the steps to create a scatter plot.

Reflecting on variables

Similar to the data discussed in the Minds On section, create a survey question of your choice which contains two variables. Which is the dependent variable? Which is the independent variable?

Task 2: Interpreting a scatter plot

Examine the following scatter plot and answer the questions that follow using a recording method of your choice.

  • Which is the dependent variable?
  • Which company has the lowest moving cost?
  • Which company uses the largest trucks? Smallest trucks?
  • How many different trucks are there?
  • Which company would you use for a small move? A big move? Explain why.

Task 3: Analyzing data using a scatter plot

Three baby raccoons peek through a hole in a tree.

A hiker conducted an experiment comparing the mass, in kg, of different animals and how long it takes them to travel 100 m. The hiker gathered the data as follows: Animal (mass in kg, travel time in seconds). Here are the values:

Bear 1 (75, 66), Squirrel 1 (0.4, 74), Raccoon (8, 83), Bear 2 (100, 82), Chipmunk (0.2, 85), Squirrel 2 (0.5, 76), Badger (15, 60), Bear 3 (80, 91), Beaver (30, 70)

  • Organize the data into a table of values. The first column is the independent variable, the x-value. The second column is the dependent variable, the y-value.
  • Graph this data in a scatter plot digitally (you may choose TVO Mathify), on graph paper, or using your notebook.

Press the ‘TVO Mathify' button to access this interactive whiteboard and the ‘Activity’ button for your note-taking document. You will need a TVO Mathify login to access this resource.

TVO Mathify (Opens in new window) Activity (Open PDF in a new window)
  • Does the graph suggest a relationship between the mass of an animal and the time taken to travel 100 m? If so, describe the relationship.
  • Use the scatter plot to estimate how long might it take an animal with a mass of 50 kg to travel 100 m? Explain your thinking.

Consolidation

Task 1: Create a survey question with two-variables

Student Success

Reminder

Two-variable data refers to two data sets from the same sample or population that can be either qualitative (may include as taste or mood) or quantitative (may include size, weight, age).

These types of situations involve representing and analyzing the data based on two variables to answer questions like “Is there a relationship between a person’s height and the length of their arm span?”

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Finding relationships

Examine the following survey questions.

  • Is there a relationship between the width (cm) and height (cm) of a computer screen or a TV?
  • Is there a relationship between the amount of paint needed and the area of a wall?
  • Is there a relationship between the weight of a car and gas mileage?
  • Is there a relationship between the height and width of flags around the world?
  • Is there a relationship between number of visitors and daily temperature?
  1. Choose one of the survey questions above or create your own to collect two-variable data that can be measured.
  2. Conduct the survey (through research) and then organize the data in a table of values.
  3. Create a scatter plot to display the two-variable data using a method of your choice.

Brainstorm

Examine the relationship

Is there a relationship between the data collected? How do you know?

Task 2: Reflection

  • What is a real-life situation in which data sets would be best displayed in a scatter plot?
  • Why would you want to use the scatter plot to help you interpret and analyze the data?

Record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel…

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.

Connect with a TVO Mathify tutor

Think of TVO Mathify as your own personalized math coach, here to support your learning at home. Press ‘TVO Mathify’ to connect with an Ontario Certified Teacher math tutor of your choice. You will need a TVO Mathify login to access this resource.

TVO Mathify (Opens in new window)