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...

Did you know some retailers use curved mirrors in their fitting rooms to make customers look thinner? Pupils view themselves in convex and concave mirrors to understand the difference. The resource includes big ideas for multiple age...

Students investigate the acceleration of a car.  In this acceleration of a car lesson plan, students make a scatter plot of corvette acceleration data.  Students find a model to fit the data by taking the integral of the curve...

Students describe graphically, algebraically and verbally real-world phenomena as functions; identify the independent and the dependent variable. They translate among graphic, algebraic, and verbal representations of relations and graph...

In this solar flare reconstruction worksheet, learners read about the 'saturation' point of satellite detectors when solar flares are at their most intense phase of brightness. Students are given x-ray flare data and they re-plot the...

This comprehensive unit on linear and exponential functions provides numerous clearly-written worksheets. Topics include graphing linear equations, solving systems of equations algebraically and by graphing, identifying the domain and...

Here is a fitting question for middle schoolers to consider: Is there a relationship between grade point average and frequency of sending texts? Starting statisticians examine a scatter plot and discuss any patterns seen.

Many things in life take the shape of a polynomial curve. Learners design a polynomial function to model a riverbed. Using different strategies, they find the flow rate through the river.

A function is like a machine that has an input and an output. Challenge scholars to look at the eight given points and determine the two functions that would fit four of the points each — one is linear and the other non-linear. The...

Via the concrete setting of estimating the population of the US, your algebra learners are introduced to a logistic growth model. Comparing and contrasting logistic, exponential, linear and quadratic models, to see which fits the data...

Will Social Security still be around when you retire? Given data on the predicted balance of the social security fund over time, scholars plot the points on a coordinate grid and determine if a quadratic regression fits the data. They...

Using a data collection device to collect data regarding a bouncing ball, high schoolers use various features on graphing calculators to experiment with the parameters of the vertex form of the parabola and their effect on the shape of...

Using flexible mirror-like paper, physical scientists experiment with images produced by curving it and looking into its reflective surface. They find that concave mirrors cause reflected light waves to cross and actually flip the image...

Do not cross the line while graphing. Provided with several coordinate axes along with asymptotes, pupils determine two functions that will fit the given restrictions. Scholars then determine other geometrical relationships of asymptotes...

Use realistic data to find trigonometric models that best fit the populations of foxes and rabbits in a national park. Included are detailed explanations of the answers and process. This is a follow-up exercise to the lesson listed in...

Step-by-step instructions for fetal pig dissection and viewing of the circulatory system is given in this exercise. Your young biologists match the names to the organs or label a diagram of the pig circulatory system. This resource...

Students use m&m candies as their sample set. They begin by counting the total number of candies to determine their sample size. Students put the candies into a cup and shake them gently before pouring them onto a paper plate. Count...

Students improve aerobic fitness through running and walking.

Learners stride the straights and walk the curves on a track in order to improve physical fitness. They work on varied lengths for the strides and walks.

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,...

Study various types of mathematical models in this math activity. Learners calculate the slope to determine the risk in a situation described. They respond to a number of questions and analyze their statistical data. Then, they determine...

Explore the relationship between the population of foxes and rabbits in a national park using trigonometric models. Plot data and find the appropriate trigonometric functions. Two questions require interpretation and explanation of...

Here's the cure to boredom. Given a patient file, including medication dosage information, scholars determine the amount of medication left in the patient's bloodstream over time. They analyze the sequence of numbers and determine a...

Pupils investigate the air pollution situation in China by fitting a curve to historical data. They dig deeper into environmental issues that are of interest and provide a mathematical analysis of the issue. Class members develop a route...