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Year 8

Continuous and discontinuous variation: practical

I can describe and measure examples of discontinuous and continuous variation in features.

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New
New
Year 8

Continuous and discontinuous variation: practical

I can describe and measure examples of discontinuous and continuous variation in features.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Some features have discontinuous variation (limited variations falling into particular categories).
  2. Some features have continuous variation (can take any value within a range).
  3. Examples of features in humans, other animals and plants that show discontinuous and continuous variation.
  4. Collecting primary data on examples of discontinuous and continuous variation in features.

Common misconception

All types of variation can be measured in the same way.

The lesson explores the differences between discontinuous and continuous variation and how they can be measured.

Keywords

  • Discontinuous variation - Variation which is categorical (divided into particular categories).

  • Continuous variation - Variation which can take any one of many values over a continuous range.

  • Value - A number generated by a measurement, such as a measurement of mass or length.

When measuring variation amongst pupils in class, some features (e.g. body mass) are best avoided as they can be sensitive for some pupils.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
When measuring the circumference of an apple, which piece of equipment would give the most accurate measurement?
Correct answer: fabric tape measure
ruler
metal tape measure
Q2.
What is meant by "variation"?
Correct answer: differences between organisms of the same species
similarities between organisms of the same species
reproduction between organisms of the same species
Q3.
When measuring the mass of an apple, which piece of equipment should be used?
Correct answer: balance
weighing scales
magnifying glass
quadrat
Q4.
A disorder such as cystic fibrosis is a form of variation that is a caused by ...
Correct answer: genetic factors.
environmental factors.
lifestyle choices.
Q5.
Match each example of variation between humans to their cause.
Correct Answer:Hair that is dyed pink ...,is only caused by a lifestyle choice.

is only caused by a lifestyle choice.

Correct Answer:Having blood type A ...,is only caused by genetic factors.

is only caused by genetic factors.

Correct Answer:Body mass ...,is caused by a combination of factors.

is caused by a combination of factors.

Correct Answer:A person's first (native) language ...,is only caused by environmental factors.

is only caused by environmental factors.

Q6.
A plant is wilting due to lack of water. This is an example of variation caused by the plant's .
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: environment

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the type of variation to its definition.
Correct Answer:Discontinuous variation is ...,variation that can be divided into particular categories.

variation that can be divided into particular categories.

Correct Answer:Continuous variation is ...,variation that can be one of many values over a continuous range.

variation that can be one of many values over a continuous range.

Q2.
Which of the following is an example of discontinuous variation?
Correct answer: earlobe attachment
satsuma circumference
length of leaf
body mass
Q3.
Which table uses tally marks to record data on the heights of students?
table 1
Correct answer: table 2
table 3
Q4.
Which two of the following are examples of continuous variation?
Correct answer: height of a tree
Correct answer: length of a neck
fur colour
ability to roll tongue
Q5.
Whose explanation of discontinuous variation is correct?
Discontinuous variation has a maximum of three categories: X, Y and Z.
Discontinuous variation can have lots of in-between values, such as 0.7 and 0.2.
Correct answer: Discontinuous variation has specific categories and may not be numerical.
Q6.
Whose explanation of continuous variation is correct?
Continuous variation has an infinite number of individuals.
Correct answer: Continuous variation can have lots of in-between values, such as 0.03 and 0.62.
Continuous variation has specific categories but is numerical.