What's included
13 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week, learners will be expected to watch the class video(s), review the summary sheet, join in the online quiz and complete a graph drawing task.Assessment
Each week, learners will complete their own graph or table, which they should share in the classroom to receive individual feedback and recommendations. They will also complete a self-marking online quiz. If you require a written grade or report, please send me a message with the details to discuss if this can be arranged.Grading
I can provide a letter grade upon request. Please send me details on the grading system you wish to use.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 12
Intermediate Level
This class aims to cover the main types of tables and graphs used in science, providing learners with an opportunity to really understand how to present data as well as developing their skills through hands-on graph drawing tasks. **Teaching style and interaction** My classes are highly interactive yet academically focused, with all learners encouraged to actively participate. I also put significant emphasis on encouraging learners to develop genuine skills and understanding while fostering a scientific mindset, rather than just learning how to pass exams. Note: this is a self-paced course, offering you a more flexible schedule and freedom to complete the graph drawing tasks at your own pace. Each lesson will focus on one type of graph and include: - A recorded video class (discussing how/ when that graph is used); - Summary sheet; - Online quiz; - A recorded work-through video (showing step-by-step how to draw that graph); - Graph drawing task. I will provide individual written feedback on learners' graphs for enrolled learners. **Schedule** 1: Scientific variables and data tables We will learn about dependent, independent and control variables as well as how to present data correctly in a table. We will also introduce the importance of graphs and summarise the main graph types. 2: Scatter graphs This week focuses on how to structure a scatter graph, label the axis correctly, scale the axis, plot data points, draw error bars and draw a trend line/ line of best fit. We will also learn when scatter graphs are used and how to describe the trend using correct scientific conventions. 3: Line graphs The third section focuses on line graphs, particularly when they are used (as opposed to a scatter graph), how to label and scale the axis, plotting data points, drawing line traces, and how to plot multiple sets of data on a single graph. We will analyse example line graphs to identify and describe trends in data. 4: Pie charts We will learn which scenarios pie charts are used for, how to calculate the degrees for each segment, how to plot a pie chart, and how to use colours or textures to represent information. 5: Bar charts and pictograms We will learn suitable scenarios for when bar charts should be used, how to label the axis, plotting bars accurately, adding error bars and drawing conclusions from the data. We will also briefly look at pictograms and how they can also be used to represent data in a more visual and fun way. 6: Histograms We will learn when histograms are used, how to calculate the area of each section, plot data accurately and interpret histograms. **Recommended prior knowledge** Learners should have a basic understanding of scientific experiments, as may be gained from school science investigations. They should be confident with core mathematical skills such as addition and division, as well as some familiarity with plotting simple graphs. Most importantly, learners should have an inquisitive mind and be willing to learn.
Learning Goals
Define and identify independent, dependent and control variables
Suggest variables for example experiments
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows International Baccalaureate CurriculumStandards
Aligned with International Baccalaureate (IB) Standards6 Units
13 Lessons
over 6 WeeksUnit 1: Introduction to scientific data, variables, graphs and tables
Lesson 1:
Welcome to Mastering Scientific Graphs
Hi everyone, I'm so excited to have you join us for this course on representing scientific data through tables and graphs! Just before we get started, I've attached a quick summary of a recommended schedule for this course and a welcome video so you know what to look forward to. With the new self-paced format, you can go as fast or slow as you like, but this schedule may help you keep on track.
Lesson 2:
Understanding scientific variables for graphs and charts
Today, we will learn about scientific variables. This may seem a bit of an odd starting point for a course primarily focused on drawing tables and graphs, but understanding scientific variables will be really important later on when we come to decide what to plot on our graphs or how to describe trends in data!
You will learn:
- The three scientific variables (dependent, independent and variable)
- Examples of different variables in various scientific experiments
Lesson 3:
Scientific data tables
Today, we will learn about scientific data tables. We use tables to represent scientific data, do calculations and assist us in preparing graphs.
You will learn:
- How to structure a data table in science
- Important conventions for recording scientific data accurately
- Using units in tables of data
- Identifying anomalies in data
- Calculating the mean for a set of data
Unit 2: Drawing a scatter graph for scientific data
Lesson 4:
Drawing scatter graphs for scientific data
In this lesson, we will be focusing on drawing scatter graphs.
You will learn:
- When to use a scatter graph to present scientific data
- How to decide which variables go on each axis of a scatter graph
- Key features of scatter graphs
- How to describe a trend in scientific data from a scatter graph
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Learners should have a basic understanding of scientific experiments, e.g. from school science investigations. They should be confident with maths skills such as addition and division, as well as some familiarity with drawing simple graphs.
Supply List
Learners will need: - Graph paper (pdf printout provided) - Pie chart template (pdf printout provided) OR protractor and pair of compasses - Pencil - Ruler - Eraser - Calculator - Coloured pencils
3 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Teaching Certificates
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Foreign Language
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Science
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Chemistry from University of Southampton
Bachelor's Degree in Science from University of Cambridge
I am a qualified UK science teacher with significant experience teaching both in school and more informal settings (summer camps, tutoring, science club, etc).
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$5
weekly or $26 for all content13 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 15 learners
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Ages: 13-18