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Year 8 - Science

Discontinuous variation: data handling and analysis

Variation (differences within species)

Unit Summary

This unit examines variation within species, both continuous and discontinuous, using measurements and graphical representations. It also emphasises objectivity, accuracy, precision, and repeatability in investigations, the use of appropriate techniques, and the effective presentation of data.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to plot data on discontinuous variation on a bar chart and suggest possible causes for the variation.

Key Notes

  • Using a bar chart to display discontinuous data.
  • Plotting data for discontinuous variation on a bar chart.
  • Interpreting and describing a bar chart displaying data for discontinuous variation.
  • Discontinuous variation usually has only a genetic cause and is not affected by environment or lifestyle.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • discontinuous variation: Variation which is categorical (divided into particular categories).
  • bar chart: A graph displaying categorical data plotted as columns of equal width that do not touch. The height of each column represents the tally or frequency for the category (how many times it was observed).
  • genetics: Related to the genetic material (DNA) and genes that an individual has.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Using a line graph or histogram to plot discontinuous data. All features show variation due to environmental and lifestyle factors.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Using a bar chart to display discontinuous data. Plotting data for discontinuous variation on a bar chart.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'discontinuous variation'

Variation which is categorical (divided into particular categories). Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Using a line graph or histogram to plot discontinuous data. All features show variation due to environmental and lifestyle factors. Correction: The lesson explores why a bar chart is the correct choice for plotting discontinuous data, and the idea that discontinuous variation usually has only a genetic cause.

More Lessons In This Unit

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