Virginia SOL 8.PS.3.b
The Standard
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect the data (or acquire existing data) of no more than 20 items using various methods (e.g., observations, measurement, surveys, experiments).
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will apply the data cycle (formulate questions; collect or acquire data; organize and represent data; and analyze data and communicate results) with a focus on scatterplots.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify the two numerical measures needed to answer a question and decide who or what will provide them. They gather or find up to 20 paired observations and record them consistently.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students choose two relevant numerical variables, clear units, a reasonable sample, and a consistent collection method. They create a table with one accurate pair per person or item, ready for a scatterplot.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may collect only one variable, record two unpaired lists, or gather facts that do not answer the question. They may mix units, change procedures between participants, or choose categories instead of numerical measures.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: “Does foot length relate to height?” Students name the measurements and units, then measure four classmates and submit a four-row paired data table.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Measure height and arm span for 10 classmates with tape measures, then record each person's two values in one table row.
Write a data plan for: “Does sleep time relate to morning alertness?” Name both measures, units, sample, and collection method.
Play Data Plan Sort by matching question cards to variable, unit, sample, and method cards, then reject mismatched plans.
Use a vehicle safety table to select 15 paired speed and stopping-distance values, noting units, source, and testing conditions.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 8.PS.2.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect the data (or acquire existing data) using various methods (e.g., observations, measurement...
- 7.PS.2.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect the data (or acquire existing data) using various methods (e.g., observations, measurement...
- 6.PS.1.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect the data (or acquire existing data) using various methods (e.g., observations, measurement...
- 4.PS.1.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect or acquire existing data (limited to 10 or fewer data points) using various methods (e.g.,...
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