Activity Overview
Students will investigate exponential functions and their graphs using real-life data. Students will analyze population data for the United States and create an exponential model for the 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:
Explore population data and create an exponential function to model the growth in the population data.
Use the model to estimate the population for a given year and will estimate the year for a given population.
Compare the estimated value to the given value by determining the percent error.
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.