CCSS.Math.Content.8.SP.A
The standard
Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
What this standard means
Students need to work with two-variable data and look for patterns between the variables. They should make and read scatter plots, describe clusters and outliers, and explain positive, negative, or no association. They also need to use a line of best fit to make rough predictions when it makes sense.
Mastery looks like students explaining what the graph shows in context, not just saying “it goes up.” They can tell the difference between association and cause. Common sticking points are choosing the right graph, scaling axes, over-trusting one unusual point, and making predictions far outside the data set.
Ways to teach it
- Hands-on activity: Have students measure arm span and height, make a class scatter plot, then draw a line of best fit with string.
- Discussion prompt: Show a scatter plot of screen time and sleep, then ask, “What can we claim, and what can’t we claim?”
- Quick assessment: Give four scatter plots and ask students to label the association, circle an outlier, and write one prediction.
- Real-world connection: Use local weather data for temperature and ice cream sales, then discuss whether the pattern proves one causes the other.
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.8.SP.A.1
Construct and interpret scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two quantities. Describe patterns such as cl...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.C
Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.OA.B
Analyze patterns and relationships.
- CCSS.Math.Content.8.SP.A.4
Understand that patterns of association can also be seen in bivariate categorical data by displaying frequencies and relative frequencies in a two-way table. Co...