How's The Weather?
A WebQuest for 11th-12th Grade Statistics
Designed by
Mr. Tavani
mtavani@wyalusingrams.com
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits
Introduction
One of the most talked-about issues in our society today is that of global warming. Many politicians and scientists insist that the earth's temperature is on the rise, it is because of human activity, and it is going to change our planet for the worse in the not-too-distant future. We are going to examine historical temperature data from four locations in the United States and see if there is a trend of rising temperatures.
The Task
It is your job to see if the temperature data for your location is within statistical control, as discussed in class. Your results must be based upon actual temperature data. The class will be divided into four groups, each group responsible for gathering and analyzing data for one of the following locations:
- Scranton, PA
- Atlanta, GA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Glasgow, MT
These locations were chosen because they are in different areas of the country and experience different types of weather throughout the course of any given year. Each group must gather the appropriate data, create the necessary graphs, analyze the results, and submit a conclusion for their location to the class at large.
The Process
Each group should divide into two subgroups. One subgroup will be responsible for the high temperature data. The other subgroup will be responsible for low temperature data. Within each subgroup:
- Go to the appropriate website for your group.
- Find the average high/low temperature data for the following months/years:
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January, April, July, and October of the years 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, and 2006
- Enter the dates (such as January 1956 or October 1976) in order into an Excel spreadsheet in Column A. Enter the data into Column B.
- Use the methods discussed in class to determine the centerline, upper control limit, and lower control limit.
- Plot these lines on the Excel chart you will create to represent the data.
- As a group, come to a conclusion if the process is within statistical control or not. Determine what statistical control implies in this case.
You will use http://www.weather.gov to gather your data.
Evaluation
Students will be based on their group work. All members of a group must participate to receive a passing grade.
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Beginning
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Developing
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Accomplished
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Exemplary
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Score
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Group used appropriate URL to gather data
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Group correctly found averages
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Group correctly used MS Excel
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Group correctly created graphs
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Group developed an appropriate conclusion based on their data
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Conclusion
As a class, we must gather all of the data and determine an appropriate conclusion to our question concerning global warming. We will also discuss the implications of our results and the validity of our results.
Credits & References
Tornado/lightning picture via www.fishindog.com/images/tornado.jpg
Last updated on August 15, 1999. Based on a template from
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