---
title: "Finding patterns in data"
description: "Analyse and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth's features, recognising that many features result from processes that occur over long periods"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/finding-patterns-in-data-mt_-G6erQvLig
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/finding-patterns-in-data-mt_-G6erQvLig.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Finding patterns in data

Analyse and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth's features, recognising that many features result from processes that occur over long periods

Subject: Science · Area: Earth's Systems · Ages 9 to 10
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/finding-patterns-in-data-mt_-G6erQvLig

## Ready when they can

- Use a map to identify patterns in the location of mountains, rivers, lakes, and other features
- Describe patterns observed (e.g. mountains in chains, rivers flow from high to low ground)
- Explain that Earth's features result from processes like erosion and plate movement over long periods

## Lesson: Finding patterns on a map

A map is full of clues. If you look closely at where mountains, rivers, and lakes sit, you will notice they are not scattered evenly. They line up in patterns, and those patterns can tell you a story about how the land formed.

*(drawing: Mountains often line up in a chain instead of standing alone.)*

*(drawing: Rivers start high in the mountains and flow down to lower ground, ending in a lake or sea.)*

**Example.** Priya studies a map of her country. She notices a line of mountains running along one edge, and several rivers flowing away from those mountains toward the coast. She writes down what she sees: the mountains form a line, and the rivers all flow from high ground down to the sea.

When you spot a pattern, ask what caused it. A chain of mountains often means two giant pieces of Earth's crust pushed together over millions of years. A winding river canyon means water wore away rock, bit by bit, for a very long time.

**Recap.** Patterns on a map, like mountain chains or rivers running to the sea, are clues that slow processes shaped the land over long stretches of time.

## Practice

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

## Needs first

- [Rock layers and Earth's history](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/rock-layers-and-earths-history-mt_0_K-GrKQpd)
- [Types of rocks](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/types-of-rocks-mt_bqL8DD1SbV)
- [Shapes of land and water](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/shapes-of-land-and-water-mt_KsKLVW_ssY)
- [Erosion and weathering](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/erosion-and-weathering-mt_vAP_A986IQ)

## Opens up

- [Tectonic Plates](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/tectonic-plates-mt_XrvPx5kUfO)