Mississippi Math FA.S.41

MathGrades 9–12Statistics and Probability (S) Statistics

The Standard

Construct and interpret scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two quantities. Describe patterns such as clustering, outliers, positive or negative association, linear association, and nonlinear association. (8.SP.1)

2025 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do: Students plot paired measurements as dots on two labeled axes. They describe whether the dots rise or fall, follow a straight or curved pattern, or form clusters. They identify points that sit apart from the pattern.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a table, a student chooses sensible scales and plots each pair correctly. They can name the direction and shape of the pattern, then point to any clusters or outliers.
Common Misconceptions: Students may plot two lists separately instead of making one dot for each pair. They may call a curved pattern linear or say that an association proves cause and effect.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Plot (0,50), (1,56), (2,63), (3,69), (4,76), and (5,50), with study hours on the horizontal axis and quiz scores on the vertical axis. Describe the overall direction and circle the outlier.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

Use tape measures to record eight classmates' hand spans and arm spans, then plot each pair and mark any outlier.
Draw two plots of plant height against age, one nearly straight and one leveling off; ask students to explain the difference.
Give groups six scatter plot cards and six description cards; have them match direction, shape, clusters, and outliers.
Give students an eight-trip delivery log with distance and time; have them plot it and explain why equal-distance trips may take different times.

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