The following is a framework for an Algebra 1 lesson about linear regression that utilizes Google Sheets. A sample student product can be found at the bottom of this page.
Description of the Topic:
Using Google Sheets, an online spreadsheet, students in an Algebra 1 class will enter data about 10k race completion times and the age of runners. Students will then use the spreadsheet to create a scatterplot, write the equation for the line of best fit, and make predictions about other finishing times and runners.
Goals:
After completing this lesson, students will be able to…
* Enter data into a spreadsheet
* Create a scatterplot with a line of best fit
* Write the equation for a line of best fit using formulas in the spreadsheet
* Explain what an outlier is and how it can effect results
Complex concepts:
After completing this lesson, students will understand…
* The connection between tables and graphs
* How an outlier may effect data
* That slope represents the rate of change for the data
Lesson:
The teacher will provide students with a table of data showing the race completion times for runners of different ages. The x-axis will contain the ages of the runners in years and the y-axis will reflect the completion time of the 10k race in minutes. Students will need to use the spreadsheet to create a scatter plot of the data and calculate the slope and y-intercept for the line of best fit. Students will then also predict the finishing times for runners of other ages and predict the age of a runner based on finishing time.
How this activity supports learning in the Algebra 1 classroom:
This activity provides a real world connection for students in the Algebra 1 class to see how data from an actual event supports a graph. Students also have the opportunity to extrapolate about the data to predict other scenarios for the dependent and independent variables.
Description of the Topic:
Using Google Sheets, an online spreadsheet, students in an Algebra 1 class will enter data about 10k race completion times and the age of runners. Students will then use the spreadsheet to create a scatterplot, write the equation for the line of best fit, and make predictions about other finishing times and runners.
Goals:
After completing this lesson, students will be able to…
* Enter data into a spreadsheet
* Create a scatterplot with a line of best fit
* Write the equation for a line of best fit using formulas in the spreadsheet
* Explain what an outlier is and how it can effect results
Complex concepts:
After completing this lesson, students will understand…
* The connection between tables and graphs
* How an outlier may effect data
* That slope represents the rate of change for the data
Lesson:
The teacher will provide students with a table of data showing the race completion times for runners of different ages. The x-axis will contain the ages of the runners in years and the y-axis will reflect the completion time of the 10k race in minutes. Students will need to use the spreadsheet to create a scatter plot of the data and calculate the slope and y-intercept for the line of best fit. Students will then also predict the finishing times for runners of other ages and predict the age of a runner based on finishing time.
How this activity supports learning in the Algebra 1 classroom:
This activity provides a real world connection for students in the Algebra 1 class to see how data from an actual event supports a graph. Students also have the opportunity to extrapolate about the data to predict other scenarios for the dependent and independent variables.