Correlation Coefficient from Scatter Plots Practice
A practice set of 10 questions (5 scatter-plot graph items and 5 data-table items) that has 8th graders estimate the correlation coefficient r from the strength and direction of linear patterns. It builds skills in reading scatter plots, interpreting r values from -1 to 1, and recognizing when a curved pattern gives r near 0, and it includes a reference callout on reading r from a graph.
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 20-30 minute independent or partner practice block right after introducing scatter plots and the idea of linear association.
- Discussion question: Why can a clearly curved pattern still produce an r value near 0, and what does that tell us about what r actually measures?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have them first sort each scatter plot as positive, negative, or no pattern before choosing a numeric range (near 1, near 0.5, near 0, etc.), and review the callout box together.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to sketch a scatter plot with r near -0.8 and another with r near 0 but a strong nonlinear relationship, then explain the difference.
- Estimated time: about 25 minutes for the full set of 10 questions, plus a few minutes for a class debrief of the trickiest items.
Correlation Coefficient from Scatter Plots Practice
A practice set of 10 questions (5 scatter-plot graph items and 5 data-table items) that has 8th graders estimate the correlation coefficient r from the strength and direction of linear patterns. It builds skills in reading scatter plots, interpreting r values from -1 to 1, and recognizing when a curved pattern gives r near 0, and it includes a reference callout on reading r from a graph.
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 20-30 minute independent or partner practice block right after introducing scatter plots and the idea of linear association.
- Discussion question: Why can a clearly curved pattern still produce an r value near 0, and what does that tell us about what r actually measures?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have them first sort each scatter plot as positive, negative, or no pattern before choosing a numeric range (near 1, near 0.5, near 0, etc.), and review the callout box together.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to sketch a scatter plot with r near -0.8 and another with r near 0 but a strong nonlinear relationship, then explain the difference.
- Estimated time: about 25 minutes for the full set of 10 questions, plus a few minutes for a class debrief of the trickiest items.