Fitting a Line to Data

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

8

Overview

In this video lesson, students' focus becomes more holistic and they begin to see a set of data points as a single thing that can be analyzed, not just a bunch of disconnected points. Students see that sometimes we can model the relationship between two variables with a line (MP4), although they continue to analyze the connections between the scatter plot and the line by comparing individual points. As they see these connections, students begin to see the structure of the scatter plot (MP7) and to use that structure to reason abstractly and quantitatively (MP2).

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 8

MA19.8.19

Given a scatter plot that suggests a linear association, informally draw a line to fit the data, and assess the model fit by judging the closeness of the data points to the line.

UP:MA19.8.19

Vocabulary

  • Scatter plot
  • Linear association
  • Quantitative variable

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Patterns found on scatter plots of bivariate data, (linear/non-linear, positive/negative).
  • Strategies for informally fitting straight lines to bivariate data with a linear relationship.
  • Methods for finding the distance between two points on a coordinate plane and between a point and a line.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Construct a scatter plot to represent a set of bivariate data.
  • Use mathematical vocabulary to describe and interpret patterns in bivariate data.
  • Use logical reasoning and appropriate strategies to draw a straight line to fit data that suggest a linear association.
  • Use mathematical vocabulary, logical reasoning, and closeness of data points to a line to judge the fit of the line to the data.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Using different representations and descriptors of a data set can be useful in seeing important features of the situation being investigated.
  • When visual examination of a scatter plot suggests a linear association in the data, fitting a straight line to the data can aid in interpretation and prediction.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 8 - Grade 8 Accelerated

MA19.8A.35

Given a scatter plot that suggests a linear association, informally draw a line to fit the data, and assess the model fit by judging the closeness of the data points to the line. [Grade 8, 19]

UP:MA19.8A.35

Vocabulary

  • Scatter plot
  • Linear association
  • Quantitative variable

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Patterns found on scatter plots of bivariate data, (e.g., linear/non-linear, positive/negative).
  • Strategies for informally fitting straight lines to bivariate data with a linear relationship.
  • Methods for finding the distance between two points on a coordinate plane and between a point and a line.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Construct a scatter plot to represent a set of bivariate data.
  • Use mathematical vocabulary to describe and interpret patterns in bivariate data.
  • Use logical reasoning and appropriate strategies to draw a straight line to fit data that suggest a linear association.
  • Use mathematical vocabulary, logical reasoning, and closeness of data points to a line to judge the fit of the line to the data.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Using different representations and descriptors of a data set can be useful in seeing important features of the situation being investigated.
  • When visual examination of a scatter plot suggests a linear association in the data, fitting a straight line to the data can aid in interpretation and prediction.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

PD
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