Line of Best Fit In Scatter Plots & Making Predictions Lesson Plan

Introduction

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As a hook, ask students why making predictions based on data might be important in real life. For example, how might a business use data to decide on the best way to market a product? How might this be applied in the field of sports? This start will engage students and highlight the relevance of the lesson.

Use page 1 of the guided notes to introduce the concept of the line of best fit. Explain that the line of best fit is a tool used to find a linear relationship in bivariate data, which is essentially data that involves two different variables. Highlight the significance of this line in making predictions about one variable based on the known values of another. Discuss key concepts like scatter plots and how to determine the line of best fit. Emphasize that the line of best fit should be positioned so that there are roughly equal numbers of data points above and below it, which helps ensure it is accurately representing the trend in the data.

Use page 2 of the guided notes to discuss how to calculate the equation for the line of best fit. Walk through the concept of slope and intercept. Walk through one example on the page, using the 4 steps, with the students and then have them work through the examples on the bottom of the page. Examples on the page will also walk through how to make predictions using the line of best fit. Encourage students to think critically about what the predictions mean in real-world contexts and what assumptions they should be cautious about.

If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels based on student responses, identify and determine which concepts may need further reteaching. If certain students struggle with understanding the line of best fit, consider pulling them aside for focused instruction while more advanced students can begin working on initial practice exercises independently.

Practice

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Have students practice the line of best fit using page 3 of the guided notes resource. It contains problem sets on drawing the line of best fit, making predictions, and writing equations for the line of best fit. Walk around to answer student questions.

Fast finishers can start working the maze activity (page 4 of the guided notes) for extra practice. You can assign it as homework for the remainder of the class.

Real-Life Application

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Using the last page of the guided notes resource, bring the class back together and introduce the concept of using lines of best fit in real-world scenarios, such as predicting future trends based on existing data.

Explain how businesses might use this statistical method to forecast sales based on past performance, or how scientists can predict outcomes in experiments. Show examples such as predicting a child's future height based on past growth data or how social scientists analyze data trends in populations. Highlighting these applications helps students see the relevance of math in everyday life and encourages them to think critically about the data they encounter. Refer to the FAQ for more ideas on how to teach it!

Additional Self-Checking Digital Practice

If you’re looking for digital practice for the line of best fit in scatter plots, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.

Here’s 1 activity to explore:

• Line of Best Fit in Scatter Plots Digital Pixel Art