Education Technology


Math TODAY - Is Leisure Time Really Shrinking?

Activity Overview

Students will have the opportunity to organize data from the USA TODAY Snapshot® "Is leisure time really shrinking?" into two scatter plots and determine the quadratic model for each scatter plot.

Before the Activity

If you are using the TI-Navigator™ System with the TI-73 Explorer™you will need the attached .pdf file.
See the attached Teacher Edition PDF file for notes and guidelines for this activity. The Technology Guide PDF file includes step-by-step calculator instructions with screen shots.
If you are using the TI-Navigator™ Classroom Learning System, see the TI-Navigator Basic Skills Guide PDF file for information on how the system can be integrated into your activity.

During the Activity

Students will:

  • Create two scatter plots from the data.
  • Explore quadratic regression models for the scatter plots.
  • Find the intersection for the system of quadratics equations.
  • Find the vertex of a quadratic model.
  • Calculate the percent error between two values for one of the data sets.


  • Directions:
  • Distribute the Student Edition PDF file to your class.
  • Follow the activity procedures outlined in the student document.
  • You may use the Transparency PDF file to display a large image of the USA TODAY® graphic during the activity.
  • After the Activity

    Distribute the assessment questions or send the attached LearningCheck™ assessment to your class to gauge student understanding of the concepts presented in the activity.