Topic Five (1.5): Presenting and analysing data

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  • classify data as continuous, discrete or categorical
  • present data as a graph or chart
  • find a pattern in data using a graph or chart
  • interpret data to draw conclusions.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will be learning how to spot trends in data (this is easier if it is plotted as a graph) and how to interpret data to draw conclusions.

Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

  • Read pages 16-17 of Activate 1.
  • Watch this video clip about presenting data - different types of graphs and charts are used for different types of data:

WATCH – WS1 Mini Clip 6 - Presenting data (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

  • Using the information on page 16, have a go at presenting data:

COMPLETE – WS1.1.5- Presenting data (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

Watch this video about drawing graphs - it is a bit fuzzy, but it makes some good points. You can slow it down if it is going too fast:

  • Complete Summary Questions 1-3 on page 17 of your Activate 1 coursebook.
  • Now read pages 18-19 of your Activate 1 coursebook.

Note: the independent variable (the one you change) always goes on the x axis and the dependent variable (the one you are measuring) always goes on the y axis. If you can't remember which axis is which, the x is across and the y is to the sky.

WATCH – WS1 Mini Clip 7 – Analysing Data (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

Complete one of the graphs on the worksheet below and write a conclusion:

DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE – WS1 1.6 Analysing Data Sheet (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

Remember ALPS when drawing a graph:

  • Remember ALPS when drawing a graph:
      • A - Axes with units
      • L - Line (or curve) of best fit (on a line graph) - draw this in pencil
      • P - Points plotted precisely (also best done with a sharp pencil)
      • S - Scales - plan these, so your plotted data is spread out and take up at least 50% of the available space
  • Now draw a graph of your results from the bouncing ball experiment and analyse what your results tell you: 

COMPLETE – Planning Worksheet (Sections 5 & 6)  Download COMPLETE – Planning Worksheet (Sections 5 & 6) 

  • Have a go at drawing some lines and curves of best fit. Remember to not include any anomalous (odd) results. You could draw a ring around them to remind yourself not to use them:

COMPLETE - Drawing Lines and Curves of Best Fit Worksheet (twinkl) [Not available on sample course]

Review Icon.png Review

Complete Summary Questions 1-3 on page 19. 

COMPLETE – (Question 5) Working Scientifically Vocab Builder 1 (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.  

Bridge Icon.png Support activity for this topic

If you are struggling with which variable goes on which axis or with labelling the axes, plot the graphs in the analysing data activity on the following worksheet:

COMPLETE - WS 1.6 Homework: Analysing data (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK - Planning Worksheet - Specimen Answer (Sections 5 & 6) Download CHECK - Planning Worksheet - Specimen Answer (Sections 5 & 6) 

CHECK - Drawing Lines and Curves of Best Fit Worksheet - Mark Scheme Download CHECK - Drawing Lines and Curves of Best Fit Worksheet - Mark Scheme

Here are some answers for the analysing data activity: 

CHECK - WS 1.6 Teacher and technician sheet: Analysing data (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

CHECK - Student Book Answers - Working Scientifically (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]