American Statistical Association
Nonlinear Modeling: Something Fishy
There are plenty of fish in the sea, but only a few good resources on regression. Young mathematicians first perform a linear regression analysis on provided weight and length data for fish. After determining that a linear model is not...
EngageNY
Nonlinear Models in a Data Context
How well does your garden grow? Model the growth of dahlias with nonlinear functions. In the instructional activity, scholars build on their understanding of mathematical models with nonlinear models. They look at dahlias growing in...
Willow Tree
Linear Relationships
There's just something special about lines in algebra. Introduce your classes to linear equations by analyzing the linear relationship. Young mathematicians use input/output pairs to determine the slope and the slope-intercept formula to...
Curated OER
Linear and Quadratic Model, Data Modeling
Students model quadratic and linear equations. In this algebra lesson, students solve word problems using equations. They create scatter plots and make predictions using correlations.
Curated OER
Get a Half Life!: Student Worksheet
Upper elementary or middle schoolers will explore non-linear functions, graphing, and the curve of best fit through real-life data collection and trial analysis. They explore the concept of half-life and radioactive decay using M&Ms,...
PBL Pathways
Students and Teachers 2
Examine trends in student-to-teacher ratios over time. Building from the first task in the two-part series, classes now explore the pattern of student-to-teacher ratios using a non-linear function. After trying to connect the pattern to...
EngageNY
Nonlinear Motion
Investigate nonlinear motion through an analysis using the Pythagorean Theorem. Pupils combine their algebraic and geometric skills in the 24th lesson plan of this 25-part module. Using the Pythagorean Theorem, scholars collect data on...
BW Walch
Solving Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Although graphing a linear inequality on the plane is but a few steps added onto the graphing of a linear equation, for many learners the logical leap is quite intimidating. This approachable PowerPoint presentation breaks graphing...
Curated OER
Data and Scientific Graphs
Students conduct experiments and graph their data. In this statistics instructional activity, students collect data and graph it on a coordinate plane. They analyze the data looking for patterns and they discuss their findings with the...
EngageNY
Relationships Between Two Numerical Variables
Working in small groups and in pairs, classmates build an understanding of what types of relationships can be used to model individual scatter plots. The nonlinear scatter plots in this lesson on relationships between two numerical...
Education Development Center
Creating a Polynomial Function to Fit a Table
Discover relationships between linear and nonlinear functions. Initially, a set of data seems linear, but upon further exploration, pupils realize the data can model an infinite number of functions. Scholars use multiple representations...
American Statistical Association
Scatter It! (Predict Billy’s Height)
How do doctors predict a child's future height? Scholars use one case study to determine the height of a child two years into the future. They graph the given data, determine the line of best fit, and use that to estimate the height in...
Charleston School District
Analyzing Scatter Plots
Scatter plots tell a story about the data — you just need to be able to read it! Building from the previous lesson in the series where learners created scatter plots, they now learn how to find associations in those scatter plots. They...
Curated OER
Linear and Exponential Models
Learners linearize data to determine if an exponential model is suitable. In this linearizing data to determine if an exponential model is suitable lesson, students graph the residuals of sets of data that appear to have an exponential...
Curated OER
Interpreting and Displaying Sets of Data
Students explore the concept of interpreting data. In this interpreting data lesson, students make a line plot of themselves according to the number of cubes they can hold in their hand. Students create their own data to graph and...
Curated OER
Modeling Linear Relationships
Students graph lines using the slope and y-intercept. In this algebra lesson, students create data using tables and equations. They use their data to make predictions and draw conclusion.
Albert Shanker Institute
Economic Causes of the March on Washington
Money can't buy happiness, but it can put food on the table and pay the bills. The first of a five-activity unit teaches pupils about the unemployment rate in 1963 and its relationship with the March on Washington. They learn how to...
EngageNY
Relationships Between Two Numerical Variables
Is there another way to view whether the data is linear or not? Class members work alone and in pairs to create scatter plots in order to determine whether there is a linear pattern or not. The exit ticket provides a quick way to...
American Statistical Association
What Fits?
The bounce of a golf ball changes the result in golf, mini golf—and a great math activity. Scholars graph the height of golf ball bounces before finding a line of best fit. They analyze their own data and the results of others to better...
Curated OER
Interpreting Graphs
Sixth graders interpret linear and nonlinear graphs. They create graphs based on a problem set. Next, they represent quantitive relationships on a graph and write a story related to graphing.
Achieve
Ivy Smith Grows Up
Babies grow at an incredible rate! Demonstrate how to model growth using a linear function. Learners build the function from two data points, and then use the function to make predictions.
Curated OER
Hand Span and Height
Is there a relationship between hand span width and height? Statisticians survey each other by taking measurements of both. A table that can hold data for 24 individuals is printed onto the worksheet, along with questions for analysis....
Curated OER
Graphing and Analyzing
In this graphing and analyzing worksheet, 9th graders first state if each graph represents a linear or nonlinear relationship. Second, they create a difference table for each set of data presented and determine whether it represents a...
Curated OER
What's My Pattern?
Students recognize, describe and extend patterns in three activities. They organize data, find patterns and describe the rule for the pattern as well as use the graphing calculator to graph the data to make and test predictions. In the...