Continuous variation: data handling and analysis
I can plot data on continuous variation on a histogram and suggest possible causes for the variation.
Continuous variation: data handling and analysis
I can plot data on continuous variation on a histogram and suggest possible causes for the variation.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Using a histogram or line graph to display continuous data.
- Plotting data for continuous variation on a histogram.
- Interpreting and describing a histogram displaying data for continuous variation.
- Continuous variation is usually influenced by many factors, including genetics, the environment and lifestyle.
Keywords
Continuous variation - Variation which can take any one of many values over a continuous range.
Line graph - A graph displaying continuous data plotted as points joined with a line.
Histogram - A graph displaying continuous data grouped into ranges and plotted as columns that touch.
Environment - Factors in an organism’s surroundings that influence its features.
Genetic - Related to the genetic material (DNA) and genes that an individual has.
Common misconception
Using a bar chart to plot continuous data. Features with continuous variation are only due to genetic factors.
The lesson explores why a histogram or line graph is the correct choice for plotting discontinuous data, and the idea that continuous variation is usually influenced by many factors, including genetics, the environment and lifestyle.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Continuous variation: data handling and analysis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Continuous variation: data handling and analysis, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Variation (differences within species) unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
columns that do not touch, representing separate categories.
columns that touch, representing a continuous numerical range.
frequency values plotted on the y-axis.