Exploring Association with Two-Way Tables
Interpreting Two-Way Frequency Tables | Grade 8 Statistics (CCSS 8.SP.A.4)
This interactive worksheet helps students analyze two-way frequency tables to identify possible associations between categorical variables. Using realistic, student-friendly scenarios, learners calculate row relative frequencies, compare percentages, and draw evidence-based conclusions without confusing association with causation.
Students work through multiple real-world contexts, making this activity ideal for conceptual understanding, assessment, or independent practice in middle school statistics.
What Students Will Do
- Read and interpret two-way frequency tables
- Calculate row relative frequencies and percentages
- Compare groups using data, not assumptions
- Identify possible associations between categorical variables
- Explain conclusions using appropriate statistical language
Included Real-World Scenarios
- After-school activity and snack preference
- Transportation method and school arrival time
- Weekend screen time and outdoor activity
- Preferred study location and assignment completion
Each scenario includes guided questions, multiple-choice prompts, and written justification to strengthen reasoning skills.
Why Teachers Love This Worksheet
- Fully aligned to CCSS 8.SP.A.4
- Emphasizes association, not causation
- Clear, consistent structure across all scenarios
- Supports randomization, so each student can receive a different data table
- Works well for classwork, homework, quizzes, or test prep
- Easy to auto-grade with built-in checks
This worksheet builds essential statistical literacy and prepares students for state assessments by focusing on interpretation, reasoning, and real-world data analysis.
Learning Objective
Students will analyze two-way frequency tables to calculate and interpret relative frequencies, identify possible associations between two categorical variables, and justify conclusions using evidence from the data.
Randomization Available
This worksheet supports randomization, so each student receives a different two-way table while practicing the same skills. This promotes independent thinking and prevents copying.
💡 Tip: When assigning this activity to your classroom, you can optionally enable randomization to give each student a unique version of the problems. When you re-assign the same worksheet, each student will get a new set of questions, helping them master the content through repeated practice.
