---
title: "Correlation vs Causation"
description: "Recognise a pattern linking two things across observations. Understand that the pattern alone does not prove one caused the other."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/correlation-vs-causation-mt_X0Tr8IYaEd
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/correlation-vs-causation-mt_X0Tr8IYaEd.md
retrieved: 2026-11-12
---

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# Correlation vs Causation

Recognise a pattern linking two things across observations. Understand that the pattern alone does not prove one caused the other.

Subject: Science · Area: Scientific Inquiry · Ages 8 to 10
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/correlation-vs-causation-mt_X0Tr8IYaEd

## Ready when they can

- Distinguish a correlation across observations from evidence establishing a cause.
- Consider another factor, the reverse causal direction or chance before accepting a causal claim.

## Lesson: Correlation and Causation

A correlation is a pattern linking two things across several observations. They may tend to rise together, or one may rise as the other falls. Two events happening together once do not establish a pattern. A correlation alone does not tell you what caused it.

Causation means one thing makes a difference to what happens to another. Correlation and causation can occur together. But a correlation does not prove a cause. Another factor could affect both things, or the pattern could happen by chance.

*(drawing: Made-up counts for three days. Both counts rise together. That shows a pattern, not its cause.)*

**Example.** Sunny weather could help explain a pattern between ice cream sales and sunburn. Warm weather may encourage ice cream buying. Time outside can expose skin to the sun's UV light, which can cause sunburn. Heat itself does not cause sunburn. The sales pattern alone does not establish this explanation.

Before naming a cause, ask what else could explain the pattern. Another factor might affect both things. To reverse a causal claim, swap what causes what: 'More cups bring more visitors' becomes 'More visitors lead to more cups being used.' Chance could also explain a pattern. Look at more evidence. A possible explanation is different from a proved cause.

**Recap.** A correlation describes a pattern. More evidence is needed to establish what causes it.

*This lesson, its questions and flashcards were written for this dataset. The chart counts and surveys are fictional teaching examples.*

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Could there be another explanation?](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/could-there-be-another-explanation-mt_QrVF5n7vci)

## Optional connections

- [Describing Rules & Patterns](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/describing-rules-and-patterns-mt_hbe_kdE_7C)

## Opens up

- [Science Can Be Revised](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/science-can-be-revised-mt_1GVAmcwAiO)
- [Evidence Supporting Ideas](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/evidence-supporting-ideas-mt_AstzvYDU2m)
- [Non-Communicable Disease and What Counts as a Risk Factor](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/non-communicable-disease-and-what-counts-as-a-risk-factor-mt_IciZ1CJn6h)
- [Testing a New Drug: Controls, Placebo and the Blind Trial](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/testing-a-new-drug-controls-placebo-and-the-blind-trial-mt_If6qHIrOxT)
- [Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 9+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-conclusions-from-evidence-age-9-mt_nyPMkeHlVJ)
- [How a Chart Can Mislead](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/how-a-chart-can-mislead-mt_z7yMoRWipf)