LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 2

Algebra - The learner will use relations and functions to solve problems.

Objective 2.04

Create and use best-fit mathematical models of linear, exponential, and quadratic functions to solve problems involving sets of data.

  • Interpret the constants, coefficients, and bases in the context of the data.
  • Check the model for goodness-of-fit and use the model, where appropriate, to draw conclusions or make predictions.

Resources aligned to this objective

Chutes and Ladders - Quadratic Equations Review
This lesson is designed as a review lesson for solving quadratic equations. Students will play the game "Chutes and Ladders," modified for quadratic equations, as they review for the test.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By michelle longest.
Computer Graphing Calculator Explorations
Use the built in graphing calculator feature on the Macintosh computer to explore some "parent" functions and their translations, combinations, and composites.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By Charlotte Lewis.
Data Gathering - Linear Regressions
In groups of three, students gather data by experiment or observation in one of nine activities. Each group models the data they gathered, creates a display, and presents results to the class using an overhead projector.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By Judy Pickering.
Hyper-Solving Quadratic Equations
This plan uses student created HyperStudio Programs to present, review, and summarize various methods of solving quadratic equations.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By Charlotte Lewis.
Line of Best Fit: Feet & Forearms
This is an activity that allows the students to be active in finding the line of best fit. They will gather their own data and then use a calculator to find the line of best fit, as well as the equation.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
By Heather Maxwell.

Lesson plans on the web

Automobile Mileage: Age vs. Mileage
Students plot data about automobile mileage and interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept of the least squares regression line. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Automobile Mileage: Comparing and Contrasting
This lesson allows students the time they need to think about and discuss what they have done in the previous lessons. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Automobile Mileage: Year vs. Mileage
Students plot data about automobile mileage and interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept in the resulting equation for the least squares regression line. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Automobile Mileage: Years Since 1990 vs. Mileage
This lesson provides an opportunity for the students to analyze how changing the independent variable in a set of data can result in a different least squares regression line. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Bathtub Water Levels
Students examine real-life data that illustrates a negative slope. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Correlation and the Regression Line
Students investigate the relationship between a set of data points and a line used to fit the data points using a computer-based interactive tool, the Regression Line Applet. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Effects of Outliers
Students investigate the relationship between a set of data points and a line used to fit the data points using a computer-based interactive tool, the Regression Line Applet. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Exploring linear functions: Representational relationships
This lesson presents a series of explorations based on two linked representations of linear functions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Gallery Walk
Students view the work of other students in the class and explain their own work. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Modeling Orbital Debris Problems
Students examine the problem of space pollution caused by human-made debris in orbit to develop an understanding of functions and modeling. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Movie lines
This Illuminations lesson allows students to apply their knowledge of linear equations and graphs in an authentic situation. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
My Graph Is...
Students select their own real-life data to plot and interpret. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Traveling Distances
Students interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept of the graph of real-life data. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics