Education Technology


And Now, the Weather: Describing Data with Statistics

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will use a temperature probe to collect outdoor temperature readings over a day long period. They will then describe the data using statistical concepts.

Before the Activity

  • Connect a temperature probe to Channel 1 on the CBL 2™ or Vernier LabPro®
  • Connect the CBL 2 or LabProto the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit cable
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 289 - 298 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Place the temperature probe outside a window for 24 hours
  • Record temperature every 10 minutes
  • Observe the graph of temperature versus time data
  • Calculate the mean and median values
  • Compare with the calculator generated values
  • After the Activity

    Students' will analyze their data and fill in the Data Collection and Analysis Sheet. They will also answer questions listed in it.

    Review student results

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