Activity Overview
Students will measure round objects to determine the circumference and diameter, and use the data to explore geometric concepts of the circle with statistics.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 148 - 149 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the activity procedures:
Measure the diameter and circumference for each round item and record the values in a table
Explore the relationship between the circumference and diameter
Observe that the ratio of circumference to the diameter is the same for all round items
Plot the circumference versus diameter data
Draw a best-fit line and determine its slope
Measure the diameter of the cardboard paper towel tube
Use the graph to estimate the tube's circumference
Use the calculator to find an equation for the line
Use this equation to predict the circumference of the tube
Measure the circumference of the tube and compare it with the prediction and the estimate
Similarly, determine the measure of the diameter of the oatmeal box
After the Activity
Students complete the Student Activity pages.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary