Intermediate

60 mins

Teacher/Student led

+70 XP

Pupils work on their own device

Charts from Data: Going Deeper, with Real Data

Discover how to choose the right chart type for your data and identify when charts might mislead. Create column, line, scatter and combination views from sample data before building one from your own project data.

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1 Introduction
2 Key Concepts
3 Step-by-step Task
4 Independent Practice
5 Reflection
6 Lesson Summary
Quiz

1 - Introduction ~5 mins

Today you will

put one set of sample weather figures into four kinds of chart
decide which charts tell the truth about the numbers
build one new chart from your Something Real project numbers

Warm-up

Think of one number in your project that changes over time, like views per week or cost per month. Would a pie chart show that change, or would it hide it?

👇 Mark your steps as done as you complete them.

+5 XP

2 - Key Concepts ~6 mins

Four chart types

A column chart uses bars to compare amounts, like rainfall each month.
A line chart joins points in order to show a trend over time.
A scatter chart shows one dot per row, so you can see if two numbers move together.
A combination view shows amounts as columns and a trend as a line.

Key point

An honest chart matches the question. A pie chart of monthly temperatures hides the rise into summer.

👇 Mark your steps as done as you complete them.

+10 XP

3 - Step-by-step Task ~20 mins

You will make four charts from the same weather figures. Your teacher builds the column and line charts with you. Then you make the scatter and combination charts yourself. Follow the steps in the box below.

Month	Avg max temp (C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	8	90
Feb	8	70
Mar	10	65
Apr	12	55
May	15	60
Jun	18	65

+15 XP

4 - Independent Practice ~15 mins

Independent Practice

Your goal: Build one chart type that is new to you from your Something Real numbers.

Time: ~15 minutes

Task:

In {{code:09_specialism/sm3}}, make a new workbook or Sheet called {{code:sm3_advanced_chart}}.
Type headings and at least five rows of your project numbers. You need two number columns.
If your numbers aren't ready, copy one set from the box below.
Pick a chart: line for change over time, scatter for two numbers together, or a combination view.
Add a clear title. Under the chart, type one sentence on the decision it helps with.

VET: this chart can count as evidence.

Set 1: Club training

Week	Hours trained	Match points
1	3	2
2	4	5
3	5	3
4	4	8
5	6	6
6	5	7

Set 2: Content or club social

Week	Posts	Total views
1	2	120
2	3	180
3	2	150
4	4	260
5	3	210
6	5	300

Set 3: Small event budget check

Item	Budget €	Actual €
Venue	200	220
Food	150	140
Print	40	35
Travel	60	70
Prizes	80	75
Misc	30	25

Success criteria:

{{code:sm3_advanced_chart}} is saved in {{code:sm3}}.
It has headings and five or more rows.
It has a line, scatter or combination chart with a clear title.
One sentence under the chart names the decision it helps with.

+15 XP

5 - Reflection ~5 mins

Think about

Which chart type fits a question your project needs answered?
How could a flashy chart mislead a coach or sponsor, even with correct numbers?

Share one answer with a partner.

+10 XP

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