How can you tell they’ve got it: Scatter Graphs & Correlation?

If they’ve got it, you’ll see things like: Plot bivariate data on a scatter graph and describe the type of correlation observed; Draw a line of best fit by eye and use it to estimate a value within the data range; Explain what positive, negative, and no correlation mean in the context of real data (e.g., temperature vs. ice-cream sales). Or just try it together: If your child plotted a scatter graph — say, comparing hours of revision and test scores — could they draw a line of best fit, describe the pattern, and use it to make a prediction?

Mathematics Data & Statistics Ages 13–14

Scatter Graphs & Correlation

Your child can plot a scatter graph, like revision hours against test scores. They can say if the link is positive, negative or none.

In curriculum terms

Describe simple mathematical relationships between two variables using scatter graphs, identify positive, negative, or no correlation, and use a line of best fit to make predictions

Ages are typical, not deadlines — follow your child’s pace. How to help at home →

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Plot bivariate data on a scatter graph and describe the type of correlation observed
Draw a line of best fit by eye and use it to estimate a value within the data range
Explain what positive, negative, and no correlation mean in the context of real data (e.g., temperature vs. ice-cream sales)

🖨 Print this page to keep the checklist — it prints beautifully.

Try this together

If your child plotted a scatter graph — say, comparing hours of revision and test scores — could they draw a line of best fit, describe the pattern, and use it to make a prediction?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Statistical Analysis Vocabularyages 9–11Describing correlation and using a scatter graph requires 'correlation', 'scatter graph', and 'line of best fit'

Comparing measurementsages 11–13Interpreting scatter graphs requires understanding averages and data distributions

Coordinatesages 11–12Scatter graphs require confident coordinate plotting in the first quadrant and beyond

Linear Function Graphsages 12–14Line of best fit connects to understanding linear relationships from y = mx + c

Scatter Graphs & Correlationthis skill · ages 13–14

Unlocks

Scatter Graphsages 13–14Plotting a scatter graph is the representational skill underpinning the conceptual understanding of correlation described in mt_8atyuvPUZc

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Where this fits in the official school curriculum — our best automated guess, not yet checked by a person.

This skill sits beyond Year 6 in the Australian Curriculum, so no F–6 code is matched. It also sits beyond the NSW K–6 syllabuses. It also sits beyond Level 6 in the Victorian Curriculum.

Nearby on the map

Scatter Graphsages 13–14 Comparing measurementsages 11–13 Pictograms and tally chartsages 11–13 Calculating the Meanages 10–11

All Data & Statistics skills →