Rising Temperatures Over Time

In this lesson, students choose temperature data to graph in order to explore the relationship between maximum and minimum New Jersey temperatures over time.

Step 1 - Inquire: Students interact with two data tables showing maximum and minimum average temperatures in New Jersey.

Step 2 - Investigate: Students choose data to graph both max and min temperatures over time and discuss their findings.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students watch a video showing the current effects of temperature in New Jersey and explore the connection between the video’s information and their graph.

Positives

• This lesson can be used in any math class.

• Students are given voice and choice in this lesson.

• Students learn to apply real-world data from a table into a comparable graph.

• Students explore the connection between data, graphs, and current effects.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should have a basic understanding of average and how it is calculated.

• Students should have a basic understanding of reading data tables.

• Students should have a basic understanding of graphing and coordinate points expressed as (x, y).

• Students should have a basic understanding of the relationship between the x- and y-axes.

Differentiation

• Students’ communication and vocabulary can be simple or content-specific with math terminology.

• Students can use their graph to make an infographic about temperature and climate change. Students can then present their infographic in class, in a school club, or in the community to raise awareness.

• Students can find the line of best fit, find the equation of that line in y = mx + b form, and explain what that line shows about the relationship between average temperatures and time.

• Students can use the same data and make different graphs (e.g., bar graph, pie chart, etc.). Students can explain how each graph emphasizes different parts of the same data and explain which graph is best in conveying a specific conclusion.

This lesson encourages students to create a visual representation of an available climate dataset. A class discussion walks students through the data and how to navigate through the available information. Students are provided instructions on how to create a graph and are allowed to choose which data they will visually represent. The Student Document introduces and invites students to conduct data analysis on their chosen dataset and encourages critical thinking skills. A short video and discussion questions help students relate current information back to their chosen datasets. This is an interactive lesson that incorporates data analysis with the current issue of climate change.

Note On Standards:

This lesson is aligned to New Jersey standards. Review the aligned standards directly in the lesson plan document and teacher slideshow.