1. Trends over Time: Project OverviewTrends over Time: Project Overview
Laura Rodgers
Debbie Leach

2. Unit SummaryUnit Summary
Using a set of student-collected data
over time, pairs of students will
choose and create the mathematical
model that best reflects the data
trend. Students will use the model to
predict future trends and discuss its
potential impact for the future.

3. Targeted Content StandardsTargeted Content Standards
Advanced Functions & Modeling
1.01 Create and use calculator-generated
models of linear, polynomial, exponential,
trigonometric, power, and logarithmic
functions of bivariate data to solve
problems.
 Interpret the constants, coefficients, and
bases in the context of the data.
 Check models for goodness-of-fit; use the
most appropriate model to draw
conclusions and make predictions

4. Student Objectives/Learning OutcomesStudent Objectives/Learning Outcomes
 Students will collect and describe a set of
real-life data over time.
 Students will demonstrate an accurate
understanding of the meaning of the
constant(s) and coefficients of
mathematical models.
 Students will clearly specify and describe
a realistic domain and range for the data.

5. Student Objectives/Learning OutcomesStudent Objectives/Learning Outcomes
 Students will be able to compare two or
more reasonable mathematical models for
a specific set of data.
 Students will analyze each model and
choose the model that best predicts the
trend into the future.
 Students will discuss the impact of the
continuation of the trend on society.

6. Essential QuestionEssential Question
What does the past tell us
about the future?

7. Unit QuestionsUnit Questions
What is a mathematical model?
How do we create and analyze
models of real-life trends over time?
What do these models’ predictions
say about the future?

8. Content QuestionsContent Questions
• What does the correlation coefficient
indicate?
What does each coefficient and
constant of the model represent?
What are the limitations of the
models’ predictability?

9. Assessment Timeline: BeforeAssessment Timeline: Before
Project BeginsProject Begins
Research Quiz
Regression Equation Quiz
Questioning

10. Assessment Timeline: StudentsAssessment Timeline: Students
working on project/completing tasksworking on project/completing tasks
Student journal
Peer feedback
Teacher conference

11. Assessment Timeline: After projectAssessment Timeline: After project
is completedis completed
Create either a power-point, Prezi, or
ActivInspire flipchart
Create either a newsletter or Wiki
that discusses societal
consequences if the trend continues