EngageNY
Determining the Equation of a Line Fit to Data
What makes a good best-fit line? In the 10th part of a 16-part module, scholars learn how to analyze trend lines to choose the best fit, and to write equations for best-fit lines to make predictions.
101 Questions
Coins in a Circle
Round and round you'll go! Learners watch as different-sized circles fill with coins. They collect data and then make a prediction about the number of coins that will fit in a large circular rug.
Curated OER
Piecewise Linear Functions: Extending Stories to Graphs
Using this resource, scholars develop graphs that model situations by showing change over time. They answer 15 questions based on information from charts that show growth in weight. They extend the concepts to an assessment section of...
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...
PBL Pathways
Students and Teachers
Predict the future of education through a mathematical analysis. Using a project-based learning strategy, classes examine the pattern of student-to-teacher ratios over a period of years. Provided with the relevant data, learners create a...
Virginia Department of Education
Square Patios
Build a patio from toothpicks and marshmallows to analyze functions! Learners look for patterns in the data as they create different size patios. As they discover patterns, they make connections between the different representations of...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Generalizing Patterns: Table Tiles
As part of a study of geometric patterns, scholars complete an assessment task determining the number of tiles needed to cover a tabletop. They then evaluate provided sample responses to see different ways to solve the same problems.
Shodor Education Foundation
Sequencer
Take the first step into graphing sequences. Learners set the starting number, multiplier, add-on, and the number of steps for a sequence. Using the inputs, the interactive calculates and plots the sequence on the coordinate plane. Users...
Curated OER
Linear and Exponential Models
High schoolers investigate the differences between linear and exponential models. In this linear and exponential models lesson, students make a table of given data. High schoolers determine if the data is linear or exponential by...
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...
Inside Mathematics
House Prices
Mortgages, payments, and wages correlate with each other. The short assessment presents scatter plots for young mathematicians to interpret. Class members interpret the scatter plots of price versus payment and wage versus payment for...
American Statistical Association
Scatter It! (Using Census Results to Help Predict Melissa’s Height)
Pupils use the provided census data to guess the future height of a child. They organize and plot the data, solve for the line of best fit, and determine the likely height and range for a specific age.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Bloodstain Pattern Doesn't Lie......
An interesting instructional activity on hypothesizing about the diameter of a drop of blood that is splattered. To test their theories, learners work in groups to make blood droplets splatter from different heights. They use graphed...
Curated OER
Get Your Numbers in Shape - TI-83
High Schoolers use the TI-83 calculator to produce a sequence, explore patterns and find a linear or quadratic equation for a given pattern. They use inductive reasoning to make conjectures about patterns. They find the Y-value of a...
Willow Tree
Approximating a Line of Best Fit
You may be able to see patterns visually, but mathematics quantifies them. Here learners find correlation in scatterplots and write equations to represent that relationship. They fit a line to the data, find two points on the line, and...
Mathematics Vision Project
Quadratic Functions
Inquiry-based learning and investigations form the basis of a deep understanding of quadratic functions in a very thorough unit plan. Learners develop recursive and closed methods for representing real-life situations, then apply these...
American Statistical Association
You and Michael
Investigate the relationship between height and arm span. Young statisticians measure the heights and arm spans of each class member and create a scatter plot using the data. They draw a line of best fit and use its slope to explain the...
Curated OER
Rainbows, Bridges & Weather, Oh My!
Explore how real-world applications can be parabolic in nature and how to find quadratic functions that best fit data. A number of different examples of modeling parabolas are explored including a student scavenger hunt, the exploration...
Curated OER
Correlation of Variables by Graphing
Middle and high schoolers use a spreadsheet to graph data. In this graphing lesson, learners determine how two parameters are correlated. They create a scatter plot graph using a computer spreadsheet.
Curated OER
Strike a Pose: Modeling in the Real World (There's Nothing to It!)
Adjust this lesson to fit either beginning or more advanced learners. Build a scatter plot, determine appropriate model (linear, quadratic, exponential), and then extend to evaluate the model with residuals. This problem uses real-world...
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...
Curated OER
My Peanut Butter is Better Than Yours!
Learners explore the concept of statistical data. In this statistical data instructional activity, students read an article about the dangers of peanut butter to those who are allergic. Learners perform a taste test of two different...
Curated OER
Discovering Pi
Young scholars develop a formula that describes the functional relationship of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Working with a partner, they measure the diameter and circumference of circular objects in order to discover...