Education Technology


"Snail Mail" Postal Rate History

Activity Overview

This is a listing of the First Class Postal Rates for students to create a scatter plot and appropriate model. It generates good discussion as to which data is appropriate which changes models from exponential to linear.

Before the Activity

You might want to collaborate with social studies on this activity. They like to use the data to generate discussions on economics and historical events during the rate adjustments.

During the Activity

Students always start the "are these old rates relevent" conversation as soon as they see the scatter plot. As soon as everyone has their scatter plot, do a screen capture to talk about the general shape and whether to include the early years. This is a great activity to teach them the power of justifying their answers.

After the Activity

Review student answers:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary