Scatterplots and Roller Coasters

The purpose of this lesson is to help students explore relationships between variables using real‑world data by creating and interpreting scatterplots. Students will analyze roller coaster data to determine how features such as height, speed, and length relate to perceived fun and design considerations.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Subject Area Mathematics
Grade Band 6-8
Technology Tool CODAP
Class Time Estimate 1
Data Science Focus
  • 6-8.C.2.1a Use reasoning about distributions to compare two groups based on quantitative variables.
  • 6-8.C.2.3a Employ complex graphs (e.g., bar graphs, line graphs) and basic statistical concepts (e.g., mean, median, mode) to describe patterns and identify trends, similarities, and differences within data.
  • 6-8.C.2.3b Create scatterplots and add line of best fit.
Standards Alignment 8.SP.A.1
Prerequisites Identify x- and y-axes; the idea of a variable; making observations from graphs.
Version 1.0
Date Created July 7, 2026
Last Updated July 8, 2026