LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Mathematics — Grade 8

Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.

Objective 4.02. Approximate a line of best fit for a given scatterplot; explain the meaning of the line as it relates to the problem and make predictions.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Statistics project
Students collect numeric and non-numeric data. They are then expected to use the data collected to construct different types of graphs as well as finding central tendencies.
Format: lesson plan (grade 5–8 Mathematics)
By Audrea Saunders.

Resources on the web

Taking its toll
In this Illuminations lesson, students compare the price of a toll to the distance traveled. Students investigate data numerically and graphically to determine the per-mile charge, and they predict the cost if a new tollbooth were added along the route. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Sticks and stones
In this Illuminations lesson, students play “Sticks and Stones,” a game based on the Apache game “Throw Sticks,” which was played at multi-nation celebrations. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Spinning tops
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students participate in games and activities that develop concepts of measurement and statistics. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Paper pool game
Students further develop their understanding of ratio, proportion, and least common multiple. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Mathematics as communication
This lesson, from Illuminations, focuses on interpreting and creating graphs that are functions of time. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Look for patterns
The interactive paper pool game in this unit provides an opportunity for students to further develop their understanding of ratio, proportion, and least common multiple. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
History of populations
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students analyze information represented graphically. Students are asked to discuss, describe, read, and write about the graphs and the information they contain. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Heating up
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students discover the havoc that wildfire can cause. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Heartifacts
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students are asked to interpret factual heart-related information in a variety of problem-solving situations. They also create and solve an original problem. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Graphical representations for the number of hits
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students continue their exploration of the Paper Pool game by graphically analyzing data collected during several games played. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Go the distance
The interactive paper pool game in this unit provides an opportunity for students to further develop their understanding of ratio, proportion, and least common multiple. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Exploring Linear Data
Students model linear data in a variety of settings. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 7–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Explore more tables
The interactive paper pool game in this unit provides an opportunity for students to further develop their understanding of ratio, proportion, and least common multiple. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Burning questions
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students use information from a quiz, along with what they learned in the previous four lessons, to write a summary and finalize a property sketch demonstrating their understanding of wildfires. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Baseball stats
The purpose of this Science NetLinks lesson is to use the internet to explore datasets and statistics in baseball. At the middle school level students can build on previous experience to delve into statistics in greater detail. Students should be focused... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Barbie bungee
In this Illuminations lesson, students model a bungee jump using a Barbie doll and rubber bands. The distance to which the doll will fall is directly proportional to the number of rubber bands, so this context is used to examine linear functions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Analyzing numeric and geometric patterns of paper pool: Overview
This page provides an overview of a four-lesson Illuminations unit plan titled “Analyzing Numeric and Geometric Patterns of Paper Pool.” (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics