Radford University
Geyser Graphical Activity
Thar she blows! An engaging activity teaches pupils about geysers. They first read information about the Strokkur geyser in Iceland and analyze data on its eruptions by creating multiple data representations. Once finished, they research...
Radford University
Modeling Statistical Data
Can people predict the number of future divorces? Scholars research and analyze data on the number of divorces and teenage pregnancies in Virginia over time. They use the data to create graphs, determine the best-fit equations, and make...
Radford University
Data Driven
Use the data for a good cause. Groups first analyze provided data and decide which function type would best model the situation. They then investigate a problem relevant to their lives by collecting data and analyzing the results using...
Radford University
Curve of Best Fit
Don't watch the resource go down the drain. Scholars perform an experiment where they measure the amount of water that flows from a funnel over time. They use the data to create graphs and find the curves of best fit.
Radford University
How Do Facebook Likes Accrue Likes?
Finally, a project pupils will instantly like! Young mathematicians collect data on the number of likes they receive for a social media post over time. During the first part of the project, they determine a curve of best fit and...
Radford University
Body Measurement Activity
Don't keep the resource at an arm's length. A hands-on activity has scholars measure the heights, arm spans, hair lengths, and foot lengths of their classmates. They create scatter plots to determine if there is a correlation between...
Radford University
Modeling the Number of Starbucks Stores
Drink your coffee, then marvel over the rise of Starbucks. Scholars use provided data on the number of Starbucks stores from 1987 through 2014 to create scatter plots. They then determine the equation for the curve that best fits the...
Radford University
Temperature Math Activity
Warm up to a vacation-finding activity. After choosing a location for a vacation, pupils research the average monthly temperatures for the locality. They create scatter plots of the data and then determine the equations of the best-fit...
Radford University
Maximizing Light Through a Window
Let there be plenty of light. For a perimeter of 10 feet, scholars determine the maximum area of a window composed of a rectangle and a semicircle. They draw diagrams and then write and solve equations to find the height and radius for...
Radford University
Shuffle or Nano?
Mix up your teaching playlist with a performance-based assessment task. Given iPod sales data for several years, scholars create a scatter plot and perform regression analysis. They determine the best fit curve for different domains.
Radford University
Is Fall Normal?
Fine the normality of fall measurements. Pairs collect measurements of fall leaves and one other fall object. Using the measurements, the groups determine the descriptive statistics for the object and using the Empirical Rule, figure out...
Radford University
Is it Really a Small World After All?
Working in groups, learners research four countries' populations over the past 30 years. Using the data collected, the teams find regression equations that best fit the data. Taking the regression equations, they then make predictions...
Radford University
How to Calculate and Analyze the Equation for a Parabolic Path
Working in groups, pupils plot three points on the coordinate plane representing three different parabolic paths. Using a calculator, they determine the quadratic regression equation for their models. Each team then figures out the...
Radford University
Skate Ramp
Going up and down makes a more exciting ride. Pupils recall what they know about continuity and limits of functions. Working in groups, classmates design a skateboard ramp that meets a given set of criteria, using at least three...
Radford University
Animal Decline
Where did they all go? Small groups collect data on different animal species that are on a decline. Teams develop equations to model the populations over time and then create presentations about the decline of their animals. Classmates...
Radford University
Discovering Quadratics
Get to know quadratics from a couple of different perspectives. Classmates work in small groups to determine the optimal cooking time for microwave popcorn. Group members pop bags of popcorn for different times and collect data on the...
Radford University
Population Project
How fast does it grow? Scholars work on two tasks dealing with exponential growth, one on population growth and the second on investments. Learners research a country's population over the past century and make predictions of the current...
Radford University
Saving the US from a Missile Crisis
Mathematically shoot down an incoming missile. Given information about the Cuban Missile Crises, learners calculate the equation of the trajectory of an imaginary missile launched from Cuba toward Washington, D.C. Scholars determine the...
Radford University
Modeling Quadratics Basketball Video Project
Will he make it? After watching a video of part of a basketball shot, groups create their own videos. Teams record a video of shooting a ball at a hoop and edit it to show only a portion of the shot. Group members determine the equation...
Radford University
Connecting Scatter Plots and Correlation Coefficients Activity
Collect a variety of bivariate data. Groups determine sets of data that would provide a positive, negative, and no correlation. Team members gather their data through out the week. Scholars plot the data and determine the relationship...
Radford University
Snappy Stair Sprints
Let's go for a run. Small groups determine a way to collect data to determine the time it would take to run a set of stairs. After creating a plan, teams collect data and graph their results, calculating the equation of best fit and...
Radford University
At the Gas Pump
Given the price of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel for the past several years, pupils plot the data to determine whether a correlation exists. Learners determine a regression line and predict the price of gasoline and diesel in the...
Radford University
Box-and-Whisker Activity
Think inside the box. Working in small groups, pupils design a study to answer comparing two data sets. Team members collect data and construct box-and-whisker plots and analyze them to prove or disprove their hypothesis. They develop...
Radford University
The Normal Distribution Activity
For whom does the bell fit? Pupils begin by working in groups gather data on three different variables. They then determine the mean and standard deviation of each data set and create bell curves. To finish, they answer guiding questions...