Year 8 Science • AC9S8I05 • Authored homework
Find Patterns Without Ignoring Anomalies
Analyse data for trends, relationships and anomalies, then describe what the evidence suggests without overstating it. Show reasoning in full sentences where useful, and check calculations or conclusions before finishing.
Part A
Short-answer questions
What is a pattern in data?
What is an anomaly?
Why should anomalies not be ignored automatically?
How can a graph help reveal a trend?
What does a positive relationship between two variables mean?
What does it mean if results are scattered and show no clear trend?
Why is calculating a mean sometimes useful?
Give one reason a data point might be anomalous.
What is the difference between describing data and explaining data?
Write one cautious conclusion sentence using the word suggests.
Part B
Long-answer questions
A plant growth graph rises as light hours increase. Describe the trend and give one possible explanation.
A class gets one temperature reading far above all the others. Explain three possible causes and what should be done before removing it.
Interpret a data set where reaction time decreases after practice. Describe the pattern and a limitation.
Explain why correlation does not always prove causation using a science example.
A graph shows that dissolving time decreases as temperature increases. Write a conclusion supported by the data.
Compare two sets of results and decide which is more reliable. Refer to spread, repeats and anomalies.
Explain how increasing sample size can make patterns clearer.
Write a paragraph interpreting a data table that shows heart rate before and after exercise.
Evaluate a conclusion that uses only the best-looking data points and ignores the rest.
Create a short data story: describe the trend, identify an anomaly, and make a careful claim.
Part C
Research and understanding task
Find a published graph or table about weather, health, sport, environment or technology. Identify the trend, one limitation, and whether any data point looks unusual.