Misleading data
I can critically analyse a graph.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some graphs are drawn to mislead.
- Some graphs are drawn accurately, but interpreted incorrectly.
- Unfamiliar graphs need to be carefully checked to understand what they show.
Keywords
Pie chart - A pie chart (pie graph) is a circular graph where sectors represent different groups proportionally.
Time series graph - Time series graphs show data over a time period. The time period is always shown on the x-axis. Data points are joined chronologically by line segments.
Scatter graph - A scatter graph is a visual representation for bivariate data. It can be useful when determining the nature of the relationship between the two variables.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that drawing a graph with a broken axis is incorrect.
It is fine to do this (and is sometimes necessary) but it is important to acknowledge this when trying to draw conclusions from the graph.
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Misleading data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Misleading data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Thinking critically with maths unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
