Mystery Liquid

Students should be able to measure using graduated cylinders. Students should also be somewhat familiar entering data as a list, finding linear regression, and graphing data using a graphing calculator. These skills are reviewed so that all students have same minimum training level.

This is a data analysis lab where students analyze mass and volume data for two mystery liquids, oil and water, and use the data to explore linear functions. The lesson has been developed as an example of using graphing calculators in high school math and science lessons.

1. Students will understand the utility of graphing calculators in scientific analysis
2. Students will collect mass volume data for two mystery liquids, calculate linear models and graph using a graphing calculator, and interpret their results.
3. Students will connect science and algebra through studying the concept of density.

Posters for groups of two, summary worksheet

Mathematics

Grade 8 - Patterns, Functions, Algebra
6. Describe the relationship between the graph of a line and its equation, including being able to explain the meaning of the slope as a constant rate of change and the y- intercept an real-world problems.
7. Use symbolic algebra, graphs and tables to represent situations and solve problems.
9. Solve linear equations graphically, symbolically, and using technology.
16.Use graphing calculators or computers to analyze change.

Grade 8 – Measurement
3. Use appropriate level of precision when calculating with measurement.
6. Solve and determine the reasonableness of results for problems involving rates and derived measures such as velocity and density, using formulas, models and graphs.

Grade 9 - Data Analysis and Probability
2. Create a scatterplot of bivariate data, identify trends, and find a function to model the data.

Science

Grade 9 - Scientific Inquiry A.6
Draw logical conclusions based on scientific knowledge and evidence from investigations.

Grade 9 - Physical Science C.9
Investigate the properties of pure substances and mixtures (ex: density).

Technology

Grade 9 – Standard 3.A.1
Explore state-of-the-art devices to store data that will be used for researching projects.

Grade 10 – Standard 2.E.2
Produce graphs and/or charts to describe trends and visualize data.

Grade 10 – Standard 3.B.2
Use equipment related to computer and multimedia technology imaging (e.g., digitalization, optical character recognition, scanning, computerized microscopes).

Reflections

Lesson Plan (Workshop Version)

Lesson Plan (Teachers Version)

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