Scatter Plot Graphs
Scatter plot graphs are used to show trends in data. They are especially useful when you have a large number of data points. Like line graphs, they can be used to plot data recorded from scientific experiments, such as how a chemical reacts to changing temperature or atmospheric pressure.
Whereas line graphs connect the dots or points of data to show every change, with a scatter plot you draw a "best fit"line. The data points are scattered about the line. The closer the data points are to the line the stronger the correlation or affect one variable has on the other.
If the best fit line increases from left to right, the scatter plot shows a positive correlation in the data. If the line decreases from left to right, there is a negative correlation in the data.
This article is one of the "stops" on the Virtual Amazing Race, a lesson plan suitable for grades 5 and up. Students gather research in a webquest of around-the-world topics and (optionally) create a Web site Using PowerPoint.
