Correlation Files Teacher Guide Correlation Files
Teacher Guide / Lesson Plan
Topic: Introduction to Scatter Plots & Correlation | Grade: 9 | Duration: 65 Minutes
Learning Objective
Students will be able to create a scatter plot and use it to determine if there is a positive, negative, or no correlation between two variables.
Key Vocabulary
Scatter Plot: A graph of points showing data relationships.Correlation: A connection between two variables.Trends: Positive (up), Negative (down), or No Trend.
Investigation Materials
Connection Clues Slides
Scatter Plot Sleuths Cards (6 Sets)
Data Detective Worksheet
Case Closed Exit Ticket
Rulers & Colored Pencils
Instructional Arc
1. Hook: Real World Connections (10 min)
Discuss daily relationships (study time vs. grades). Use slide 2 to trigger predictions.
2. Direct Instruction: Reading Clues (15 min)
Use slide deck to cover scatter plot anatomy and the three types of correlation.
3. Guided Practice: Matching (15 min)
Pairs match 6 scenarios with correlation types and plot graphs.
4. Independent Practice: Worksheet (15 min)
Students plot real data, choose correlation types, and write conclusion statements.
5. Case Closed: Exit Ticket (10 min)
Assessment of understanding via the Exit Ticket.
Investigative Support
Scaffolding
Use pre-labeled axes for Tier 2/3. Physical movement: "Up-Right" for positive, "Down-Right" for negative.
Extension
Introduce 'Outliers'—the rouge data points. Discuss strength of correlation (strong vs. weak).
Connection Clues Slides Investigation Log #402
Connection Clues
Cracking the Case of Correlation
DATA DETECTIVE UNIT
The "Suspects"
Does one variable actually affect the other?
Case A: Study Hours vs. Grades
More study = Better grade?
Case B: Shoe Size vs. IQ
Bigger feet = Smarter brain?
How can we visualize this?
What is Correlation?
A relationship or connection between two sets of data.
Positive Trend
Negative Trend
No Trend
Anatomy of a Scatter Plot
Independent (x)
Dependent (y)
The Dots
Each dot is one piece of evidence.
The Cloud
Look at the overall direction of the points.
The 3 Types of Correlation
Positive
Negative
None
Sleuth Mode: Activated
Team up with your partner. Match the 6 Case Files to their Correlation Codes and Graph Evidence.
Start the Investigation!
Scatter Plot Sleuths Activity Scatter Plot Sleuths
Case File Activity: 3-Way Matching Game
File: BDI-402-MATCH
Mission Briefing:
Cut out all cards. Match 1 Scenario , 1 Correlation Type , and 1 Visual Plot to solve all 6 cases.
Scenario #1
Outside temperature vs. Air conditioner usage.
Type
Positive
Scenario #2
Elevation above sea level vs. Air temperature.
Type
Negative
Scenario #3
Favorite color vs. Math test score.
Type
None
Scenario #4
Study hours vs. Percent grade.
Positive
Scenario #5
Exercise minutes vs. Resting heart rate.
Negative
Scenario #6
Shoe size vs. Number of siblings.
None
Visual Evidence A
x y
Visual Evidence B
x y
Visual Evidence C
x
Visual Evidence D
Visual Evidence E
Visual Evidence F
Data Detective Worksheet Data Detective Worksheet
Investigation Log: Scatter Plot Mastery
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
01
Case #202: Study vs. Scores
Hours (x) Score (y) 1 60 2 75 3 80 4 90 5 95
0
1
2
3
4
5
0
25
50
75
100
Hours Studied
Test Score (%)
Correlation:
Positive
Negative
None
Conclusion:
02
Case #203: Hot Cocoa Sales
Temp (°F) Sales ($) 30 200 50 120 70 60 90 10
0
25
50
75
100
0
50
100
150
200
250
Temp (°F)
Sales ($)
Correlation:
Positive
Negative
None
Conclusion:
Mystery Bonus Case
Describe two variables with No Correlation . Why is there no pattern?
Case Closed Exit Ticket Case Closed
Evidence Log / Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
1. Analyze the Evidence:
Positive
Negative
None
2. Detective's Definition:
Explain "Positive Correlation" in your own words:
Case Closed
Evidence Log / Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
1. Analyze the Evidence:
Positive
Negative
None
2. Detective's Definition:
Explain "Positive Correlation" in your own words:
