1. Interpreting Graphs
Week 11
Year 8

2. Interpreting Graphs
WALT: Practise interpreting graphs

3. Look at the top graph on page 153
Spend 5 minutes writing a description of the top graph
Spend 5 minutes writing an explanation of the top graph

4. What do ‘describe’ and ‘explain’ mean?
Describe: write down what you see:
The shape of the line
Specific figures
Any patterns
Explain: why the graph shows what it does
Use scientific knowledge to say why the graph looked like it did

5. In our example Description of top graph:
There was a difference in the cooling curve of pure water and salt water
Pure water went from 20 degrees C to 0 degrees C in 3.5 minutes. It remained at 0 for 6 minutes and then dropped a further 10 degrees C in 2 minutes
Salt water dropped from 20 degrees C to -8 degrees C in 5 minutes. It remained at this temperature for 4.5 minutes before dropping further

6. In our example Explanation of top graph
The freezing point of pure water is always 0 degrees C
The freezing point of salt water is below 0 – approximately -8 degrees C
During the freezing process, the temperature remains constant for several minutes

7. Your tasks
See if you can describe and then explain the predator-prey graph on page 103
Answer the questions on the worksheet
Prep: finish the worksheet

8. Plenary
Swap books
Write an appraisal of your partner’s description and explanation of the predator-prey graph
Write down 1 positive comment and 1 improvement that could be made