“Is That For Real?”

Your graphing Glogster

Today you will be creating a Glogster (Glogster.com) by taking real data and creating a graph, table,and equation. This data correlates but is not true. You will learn that a correlation does not always equal causation.

Before you start - Be sure to save all of your information sources. Write where you are going to save your sources here:

______

Step 1: Find two separate sets of data that both have the same independent variable. Please feel free to use the reference page I sent you, but you are not limited to that. If you do not choose one of the ones I sent you, please be sure to email me the page.

  • Example: The number of pirates on our earth has gone down over the last two hundred years,and the temperature of the earth has gone up over the last two hundred years
  • Notice that the independent variables are the same and the dependent variables are not related….THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!

Step 2: Create a table of values for your data. Put your independent variable on top. Yours should have a minimum of 10 sets of data.

Year / 1820 / 1860 / 1880 / 1920 / 1940 / 1980 / 2000
Pirates / 35000 / 45000 / 20000 / 15000 / 5000 / 400 / 17
Temperature / 14.3 / 14.4 / 14.6 / 14.7 / 15.1 / 15.5 / 15.8

(Unlike my example, you must use real data)

Step 3: Graph your data. Be creative. Be sure your creativity enhances your subject. (This counts towards your grade. Please remember to consult the rubric as you work.)

Step 4: Draw and calculate the line of best fit for your data. Be sure to show your work. (Remember to use your “Line of Best Fit Beginners Guide” if you need help.)

Step 5: Calculate the correlation coefficient using your TI-83. Follow the directions on the Youtube.com video found on your data website. See me with any questions.

Step 6: Write at least one paragraph convincing me of your false argument. This should be fun. Be creative! Remember, just because it is math class does not mean that grammar does not count. Be careful and proofread your work.

Step 7: Put finishing touches on your poster. Be sure to include:

  • Title
  • Creativity
  • Sources for all work ***
  • Data table
  • Graph
  • Line of best fit
  • Correlation coefficient
  • Paragraph

This project is due ______.

CATEGORY / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Units / All units are described (in a key or with labels) and are appropriately sized for the data set. / Most units are described (in a key or with labels) and are appropriately sized for the data set. / All units are described (in a key or with labels) but are not appropriately sized for the data set. / Units are neither described NOR appropriately sized for the data set.
Accuracy of Plot / All points are plotted correctly and are easy to see. A ruler is used to neatly connect the points or make the bars, if not using a computerized graphing program. / All points are plotted correctly and are easy to see. / All points are plotted correctly. / Points are not plotted correctly OR extra points were included.
Data Table / Data in the table is well organized, accurate, and easy to read. / Data in the table is organized, accurate, and easy to read. / Data in the table is accurate and easy to read. / Data in the table is not accurate and/or cannot be read.
Use of Class Time / Used time well during each class period. Focused on getting the project done. Never distracted others. / Used time well during each class period. Usually focused on getting the project done and never distracted others. / Used some of the time well during each class period. There was some focus on getting the project done but occasionally distracted others. / Did not use class time to focus on the project OR often distracted others.
Grammar / There are no grammatical mistakes on the poster. / There is 1 grammatical mistake on the poster. / There are 2 grammatical mistakes on the poster. / There are more than 2 grammatical mistakes on the poster.
Content - Accuracy / At least 7 accurate facts are displayed on the poster. / 5-6 accurate facts are displayed on the poster. / 3-4 accurate facts are displayed on the poster. / Less than 3 accurate facts are displayed on the poster.
Sources / Source information collected for all graphics, facts,and quotes. All documented in desired format. / Source information collected for all graphics, facts and quotes. Most documented in desired format. / Source information collected for graphics, facts and quotes, but not documented in desired format. / Very little or no source information was collected.
Attractiveness / Makes excellent use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance the presentation. / Makes good use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance to presentation. / Makes use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. but occasionally these detract from the presentation content. / Use of font, color, graphics, effects,etc. but these often distract from the presentation content.
Originality / Product shows a large amount of original thought. Ideas are creative and inventive. / Product shows some original thought. Work shows new ideas and insights. / Uses other people's ideas (giving them credit), but there is little evidence of original thinking. / Uses other people's ideas, but does not give them credit.
Line of Best Fit / The Line of Best Fit is drawn on the graph,and the equation is correct and given in the slope-intercept form. / The line of best fit is drawn on the graph correctly,but the equation has small errors. / The line of best fit is drawn on the graph,and the equation is missing or has major errors. / There is no line of best fit on the graph. There is no equation.
Correlation Coefficient / The correlation coefficient is on the poster. It is logical and fits the graph / The correlation coefficient is wrong but does fit the graph. / The correlation coefficient is wrong and is not fitting for the graph. / The correlation coefficient is missing.

“Is That For Real?”

Your graphing Glogster

Helping students understand

Correlation vs. Causation

S.ID.6, S.ID.7, S.ID.8, S.ID.9