Lesson 6: Processing Data: Calculating Means & Graphical Representation
Carrying out a practical biological investigation with direction into a biological context.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
Rules for constructing scientific line graphs (SALT: Scale, Axes labelled with units, Line of best fit / point-to-point, Title naming IV and DV).
Calculate mean DV values, select appropriate linear scales, plot points accurately, and draw lines of best fit or trend lines.
🎥 Media Anchor & Pedagogical Scaffold
Scientific Graphing Rules & Trend Analysis
Video Clip: How to Draw Line Graphs and Bar Charts — GCSE & IGCSE Biology (Science with Hazel) (Runtime: 6m 15s).
🧠 1. Before Viewing (Activate & Predict)
What are the essential elements required for a scientific graph to meet NCEA Level 1 Merit/Excellence standards?
👁️ 2. During Viewing (Watch With a Job)
- Graph choice: the video explains when to use a line graph vs a bar chart. Which type would you use for your biology investigation, and why?
- Axis labels: the video emphasises what belongs on each axis. For your investigation, write the label and unit for the x-axis and y-axis.
- Trend identification: the video shows how to describe a graph. Use the sentence starters 'As [IV] increases, [DV]...' to describe the trend you would expect from your investigation.
🗣️ 3. After Viewing & Kaiako Move (Process & Apply)
Kaiako Move: Provide graph paper grids and model ruler-drawn axes with clear title conventions ('Graph of [DV] vs [IV]').
Immediate Task: Complete Section 6 of your Investigation Log: Processed Data Table & Fully Labelled Scientific Graph.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now: Investigation Recall (10 mins)
A graph with no units proves nothing. Your kaiako will show you one: a rising line, no axis labels, no title.
Two minutes: list everything you cannot conclude from it. Then name the four things a scientific graph must carry before a reader can trust it. You are deriving SALT before anyone tells you the acronym.
📖 Activity 1: Investigation Planning & Practical Execution (25 mins)
Plot it (15 min). Graph your processed means: IV on the x-axis, DV on the y, linear scale, axes labelled with units, title naming both variables. Choose point-to-point or a line of best fit and be able to justify which — that choice is assessed.
Read it back (10 min). Describe the trend in one sentence using two actual numbers from your graph. Then identify the region where the relationship changes, if it does, and mark it.
📝 Activity 2: Level 1 Biology Investigation Log & Merit/Excellence Scaffolding (20 mins)
Report — Section 6. Submit: (1) processed mean data table; (2) your graph meeting all four SALT requirements; (3) a trend description quoting two specific data points, and a one-line justification of your line choice.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
NCEA Level 1 Alignment: Direct preparation for NCEA Level 1 Biology — Internal (Carry out a biological investigation with direction). Emphasise complete variable control, accurate data processing, and clear biological explanations for Merit/Excellence grades.