Math 30-2

Project

Research Project

Math 30-2

A lot of real-life data can be modeled by the functions we have looked at in this course. Let’s list some examples of data that may be modeled by each type of function:

  • Linear
  • Quadratic
  • Cubic
  • Exponential
  • Logarithmic
  • Sinusoidal

For this project, you will collect numerical data about a topic that interests you. Then you will perform an appropriate regression, graph the data, and analyze the information that the regression equation and graph give about your data. The final product can be in the form of a:

-Report

-Poster

-Power Point / Prezi / etc.

This project is worth 5% of your class mark.
Part 1: Create an Action PlanTimeline: ______

Think of sometopics that interest you. They may be ideas in the lists above, or you might come up with other ideas. You may be surprised at what you find once you start researching! Once you have though of several possible topics, do some research to see which topic would best support a project. Of these, choose the one that you think is the best.

Some questions to consider when selecting a topic:

  • Does the topic interest you?
  • Is the topic practical to research?
  • Can you find enough data to perform a regression? (You should be able to collect between 20 and 50 data points.)
  • Does the data follow one of the patterns we studied in this course?
  • Can you compare two sets of data with a similar pattern or theme?
  • Is there an important issue related to the topic?

You may choose a topic where you find data that has already been collected through other sources such as websites, newspapers, magazines, etc. (secondary data) or possibly where you collect the data yourself through experiment and observation (primary data).

Some Ideas (and websites) for Secondary Data Topics:

(Feel free to choose a topic that is not in this list, but keep in mind that you need to be able to collect enough data.)

  • Statistics Canada:

-Topics may include: population, life expectancy, education, income, etc.

-Click on a topic that interests you in the box at the bottom of the screen.

-After you choose a subtopic, the “Summary Tables” and “Detailed Tables from CANSIM” are usually the best source of information

-You can also use the E-STAT section of Statistics Canada:

  • Weather Data:

-Canada: Environment Canada National Climate Data and Information Archive: (“Climate Normals and Averages” is helpful.)

-World data: (includes length of day)

  • Sun and moon data:
  • Animal populations:

-One possible idea: Alberta Conservation Association:

  • World historical data (UN data):

-Click on the “Gapminder World” or “Data” tab.

  • Sports world record progressions:
  • Olympics:
  • Movies: (Search for a movie, then click on “Weekend” or “Weekly” tab to see the box office stats.)
  • Vehicle values
  • Housing prices
  • Cost of living
  • Inflation rate
  • Interest rates

Your Turn:

Spend some time in the computer lab researching topic ideas.

If you have an idea for collecting real-life data, talk to your teacher about your idea and plan how you can collect the data.

Make a decision about your topic.

Part 2: Carry Out Your ResearchTimeline: ______

Consider the type of data you need and ensure that you have a reliable source (or sources) for that data, especially if you are using secondary data. Then collect your data. There is a sheet at the back of this booklet for recording your data. You may also just print out your data if you are using a table from a website.

Your Turn:

Collect your data.

If you are using secondary data, be sure to cite your sources.

If you are using primary data, describe your data collection methods.

Part 3: Graph Your DataTimeline: ______

After you have collected your data, you must create a scatter plot with a curve of best fit. Perform the most appropriate regression on it to determine the equation of the curve of best fit. You may want to turn your Diagnostic On in order to see the r or r2 value if you are unsure which regression is best.

Your Turn:

Make sure to include the following:

The type of regression you used

The equation of the curve of best fit

A scatterplot with the curve of best fit drawn on it

-You may draw your graph by hand or using technology, but it should take up an entire page.

-The axes must be labeled and scaled appropriately.

Part 4: Analyze Your DataTimeline: ______

You must give an analysis of your data. Describe the different features of the function and interpret what they mean in the context of your situation. Include information that you can get from both the graph and the equation. The features that you talk about will depend on the type of regression equation your data follows. Keep in mind that you will be marked on the thoroughness of your analyis, so don’t try to scrape by with the bare minimum!

Some Features You May Want to Consider:

Linear / Quadratic / Cubic
-y-intercept
-slope
-increasing or decreasing? / -y-intercept
-min/max
-increasing or decreasing? / -y-intercept
-turning point / inflection point
-increasing or decreasing?
Exponential / Logarithmic / Sinusoidal
-y-intercept
-increasing or decreasing? How quickly?
-base
-doubling time / half-life / -y-intercept
-increasing or decreasing? How quickly? / -y-intercept
-median / midline
-min/max
-amplitude
-period
-range

Whatever type of regression you use, it would be great if you could compare two sets of data and describe the similarities and differences between the two.

Please also include the following in your analysis:

  • Two additional points of the function (one found by interpolation and one found by extrapolation). Explain what they mean in the context of your situation.
  • A thoughtful analysis of how accurate you think your regression equation is for modelling the data.
  • Whether you think the data will continue to follow the pattern predicted by the regression equation and why or why not.

Your Turn:

Determine which features of the function best describe your data.

Find each of the features you decided on, and interpret what they mean in the context of your situation.

Determine two additional points on the function (one by interpolation, one by extrapolation) and explain what they mean in context.

Analyze how accurate you think the regression equation models your data and give reasons.

Predict whether future data will continue to follow the pattern of the regression equation and explain why or why not.

If possible, compare the features of two sets of similar data.

Part 5: The Final ProductTimeline: ______

Your final project should be presented in a way that is well-organized and easy to follow. You may use any of the following formats:

-written report

-poster

-Power Point, Prezi, etc

If you have another format you would like to use, please check with your teacher.

Evaluating Your Final Product

Before handing in your project, you can use these questions to decide if your final product will be effective:

  • DidIdefinemytopicwell?Whatisthebestwaytodefinemytopic?
  • Does my topic suit one formatbetter than others?
  • DidIorganizemyinformationeffectively? Does each idea flow coherently from the previous one?
  • Are the graphs and calculations neat and easy to follow?
  • AmIsatisfiedwithmy final product?Whatmightmakeitmoreeffective?
  • Whatunansweredquestionsmightmyaudiencehave?

Your Turn:

Choose a format for your project.

Create the final product to hand in.

If your project is in a digital format, email it to your teacher: .

Project Due Date: ______

Research Project Planning

Math 30-2

Create anActionPlan– ______

1.Research possible topics of interest to make sure they will support the project.

2.Select the topic you would like to explore.

Carry Out Your Research– ______

3.Collect the data.

4.Record your sources and/or collection methods.

Graph Your Data– ______

4.Determine what type of regression best models your data.

5.Record the equation of the curve of best fit.

6.Create a scatterplot with the curve of best fit.

Analyze Your Data– ______

  1. Find and interpret what the features of your function mean in the context of your situation.
  2. Determine two additional points on the function and explain what they mean in context.
  3. Analyze the accuracy the regression equation.
  4. Predict whether future data will continue to follow the pattern of the regression equation.
  5. Compare two sets of data, if possible.

Create Your Final Product– ______

  1. Choose a format for your project.
  2. Create the final product to hand in

14.Revise,edit,and proofread.

14.Hand in your project.

Project Due Date – ______

Research Project Data Collection

Math 30-2

Research Topic: ______

______

Label the columns of your table appropriately, including units, where applicable.

Source(s): ______

Research Project Scoring Rubric

Math 30-2


Level
Criteria / 4
Excellent / 3
Proficient / 2
Adequate / 1
Limited / Insufficient/ Blank / Your mark
Collect data related to the topic / Collects data that is pertinent from reliable and documented sources.
Data fits the chosen regression model accurately. / Collects data that is relevant from substantially reliable and documented sources.
Data fits the chosen regression model substantially. / Collects data that is suitable from questionable and partially documented sources.
Data fits the chosen regression model adequately. / Collects data that is irrelevant from unreliable or un-documented sources.
Data does not fit the chosen regression model. / No data collected.
Graph data / Graphs data accurately and neatly with all appropriate labels and scales. / Graphs data generally accurately with mostly appropriate labels and scales. / Graphs data carelessly with some appropriate labels and scales. / Graphs data sloppily with few appropriate labels and scales. / No graph.
Calculate equation and features / Calculates correct and thorough equation and features of the function. / Calculates mostly correct and adequate equation and features of the function. / Calculates partially correct and superficial equation and features of the function. / Calculates flawed and minimal equation and features of the function. / No equation or features calculated.
Interpret the data / Provides an astute and insightful interpretation of the data and features of the graph. Compares two sets of similar data. / Provides a credible and understandable interpretation of the data and features of the graph. / Provides a rudimentary and minimal interpretation of the data and features of the graph.No comparison to another set of data / Provides an incomplete and flawed interpretation of the data and features of the graph. / No interpretation of the data and features of the graph.
Organize and present the project / Organizes and presents the research in a purposeful and compelling manner. / Organizes and presents the research in a logical and effective manner. / Organizes and presents the research in a reasonable and simplistic manner. / Organizes and presents the research in a disorganized and ineffective manner. / No organization or presentation of the data.

Total: