Statistics - Draw line graphs - Presentation

In a series of engaging lessons on drawing line graphs, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of representing data visually. The lesson begins with identifying the x and y axes, followed by a hands-on activity where students are tasked with creating a line graph based on the height a rocket reached over a 60-second duration. This activity requires students to carefully consider what the x-axis will represent—time in seconds—and how to choose appropriate intervals to accurately plot the data points, which range from 0 to 70 metres in height. The aim is to enable students to translate tabular data into a graphical format, reinforcing their understanding of how line graphs can depict changes over time.

Building on these skills, students then explore population data for the UK and Australia from 1990 to 2015, where they must create a single line graph to represent both countries' populations. This exercise not only hones their graphing skills but also encourages them to think critically by formulating questions about the completed graph. Additionally, the lessons include reasoning activities, such as evaluating the accuracy of graphs completed by fictional characters and determining the most effective interval for x-axis divisions when graphing the distance a lorry travelled during the day. These activities challenge students to reason and interpret data, while independent work tasks consolidate their learning and ability to present data clearly and accurately through line graphs.