Modeling with Real Data: Linear Model Activity & Guide 2011
1) Create a table using the data provided.
2) Use the table to create a Scatter Plot. Use graph paper to plot the coordinates. Create
appropriate intervals. Label the x- and y- axis. Title your graph. Make a legend.
3) Do the coordinates on the graph appear to be approximately a straight line? Explain your
reasoning as to why or why not.
4) Connect the two endpoints you plotted on your graph with a line. Use a ruler if necessary.
Compute the ratio of changes from each coordinate pair to the next. Do the ratios seem
relatively the same?
5) The line you drew in problem #4 is called a trendline. Write a conjecture explaining what you
think the trendline tells us. Justify your reasoning. Do you think that a “better” trendline can be
drawn to better explain our data? Draw a new trendline that passes through two different
coordinates on your graph.
6) Compare and contrast the two trendlines’ predictability. Which trendline do you think is going to
explain our data more accurately? Make a prediction for the number of cars that will be in the
US in 2010. Which trendline is more aligned with your prediction?
7) Find the line of best fit. Remember, you will need to identify two coordinates in your data in
order to build this model.
8) Using the model equation in question #7, estimate how many automobiles will be in the US in
2020. To do this, you will need to make a table relating years to the models prediction.
9) How good was your estimate? Using any research method, compare the actual data with the
prediction from your model. Do you feel confident about the predictability of the model now that
you compared it with the actual data?
10)
Using excel, find the equation of the line that you calculated by hand. Were you correct
and accurate? Remember that models can be perfected. Can you manipulate your equation in
the same method as re-drawing a trendline on your graph? Try and find another trendline using
two different coordinates and repeat questions #7-9.
Created by: Vanessa Garza & Paul Rodriguez
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Modeling with Real Data: Linear Model Activity & Guide 2011
Math Dictionary
Compare & Contrast
Excel Checklist
Table Set Up
Algebraic Review
Prediction Analysis
Scatter Plot Guide
11th grade—Activity using
Linear Models. Find an
Polynomial Models of
degree 2, 3, and 4.
Compare models and
choose best fit to data and
explains effect on Global
Warming accurately.
Line of Best Fit
Goals:
6th grade—Questions 1-3;
Explore-based activity;
Carbon Dioxide caused by
automobiles?
Why? Why not?
Cars in Year 2020
7th grade—Questions 1-6;
Make conjectures; Carbon
Dioxide caused by
automobiles truly affecting
global warming?
Trendline & Ratios
To Reflect & Conject
Compare & Contrast
8th grade—Questions 110; Reasonableness of
conjectures; answer
question of Carbon
Dioxide—Causing Global
Warming?
Excel Set Up
9th grade—Activity using
Linear Models. Find an
Exponential Model.
Compare models and
choose best fit to data and
explains effect on Global
Warming accurately.
Created by: Vanessa Garza & Paul Rodriguez
10th grade—Activity using
Linear Models. Find an
Quadratic Model.
Compare models and
choose best fit to data and
explains effect on Global
Warming accurately.
Suggestions:
 Accompany
guide/activity with
PowerPoint
presentation
 Do activity with
students using a
different set of data
 Use activity as an
assessment of overall
understanding
 Review skills
necessary to complete
activity
Materials:
 Excel Data Set
 Activity Handout
 Graphing Calculator
 PowerPoint
 Graphic Organizers
(if necessary)

Vocabulary List
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