Activity Overview
Using the USA TODAY Snapshot, "More of U.S.," students will learn how to interpret data presented in a graphical form. Students will determine the rate of change (slope) and build a linear model (y = mx + b) from this data. The model will be used to make a prediction about the future growth of the U.S. population if the current trend continues.
Before the Activity
Setup your TI-Navigator™ System
Make sure you are familiar with the following functions: Send to Class, Collect from Class, Screen Capture, Quick Poll and Activity Center
Your students will need a TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator, either working in pairs or individually
Download the attached activity resource files from all three sections to your computer
Recommendations:
Multimedia Projector for sharing the Activity Center, Quick Polls and Screen Captures with your students
TI Keyboards for students to easily answer the LearningCheck assessment questions
During the Activity
Students will:
Find the rate of change (slope) for a given set of data
Determine a linear regression model from data
Predict an answer using the linear regression model
Use appropriate labels (units) for the rate of change
Create a scatter plot of the data
Directions
Distribute the Student Edition PDF file to your class
Follow the activity procedures outlined in the Teacher document
You may use the Graphic PDF file to display a large image of the USA TODAY graphic during the activity
After the Activity
Access your students' understanding by using Send to Class, LearningCheck™ App and Class Analysis.