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

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.
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.

Resources on the web

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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Evaluating mathematical models
The purpose of this lesson is to evaluate several mathematical models using the Internet as a resource. Science NetLinks provides links to necessary web resources and detailed instructions for completing the lesson. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: Science Netlinks
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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: 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)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
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)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics