Content Material

Background: This RWLO describes a lesson plan that instructs students on how to create a simple x y scatter graph which can be used to find the linear correlation between the boiling point of water and altitude. Each student will be assigned to a group for this exercise. The members of the group will obtain their data for the exercise as a collaborative unit, but each member of the group will submit his or her own completed assignment. The raw data will be downloaded from a collaborative Web site created by CIESE called the International Boiling Point Project. Students will be required to graph the boiling point of water as a function of altitude, then the graph will be analyzed to determine the best linear fit of the data. Student Directions Assemble into your assigned group at a computer connected to the Internet and access the International Boiling Point Project Web-site at Search the project data by clicking on the PC user file data links. Once your group has found a data file, send enough copies to the printer so every group member has one. Read the Assignment Handout provided by your instructor. Obtain a piece of graph paper and a ruler from the instructor if it hasnt been provided. Read the Graphical Analyses handout provided. Complete the assignment. Additional Resources Back-up Web-site for the International Boiling Point Project data: Web-site that contains directions on how to use its search engine to obtain altitude data: This Web address contains altitude information obtained for a 1997 expedition up Mt. Everest. There is some reference data on the boiling point of water at various elevations.

Assessment
Each of the bullets in the Assignment Handout can be used for assessment based on the following rubric. Graph: [5 total points] Prepare an x-y scatter graph plot of the boiling point of water verses altitude. Preparation of the graph will be scored as follows: 5 pts = All of the requirements listed below have been fulfilled. a) The independent and dependent variable is chosen correctly and plotted on the appropriate axis. b) The axes scale are appropriate for the data plotted. The scale uses the correct number of place holders provided by the original data table. c) Each axes are labeled or titled. The graph is given a title. d) All appropriate units are provided in parentheses near the axis label. e) The data points are presented correctly. 4 pts = Four of the five requirements have been fulfilled. 3 pts = Three of the five requirements have been fulfilled. 2 pts = Two of the five requirements have been fulfilled. 1 pts = One of the five requirements has been fulfilled. 0 pts = None of the requirements have been fulfilled. Analyze the Graph: [10 total points] Analyze the graph. Based on your observations can you identify the linear relationship between the two variables plotted in the graph? If so, draw the trend line which best correlates to this relationship. Derive the linear equation for the line. Include all calculations necessary to derive this equation. Analysis of the graph will be scored as: 10 pts = All of the requirements listed below have been included. a) A trend line is drawn on the graph. b) The trend line has been created with a straight edge. c) The position of the trend line indicates that the student has interpreted the results correctly. d) The student has reported the equation for the line. e) The y intercept is reported correctly. f) The correct number of place holders and units are reported for the y intercept. g) The calculation for the slope of the line is included. h) The slope of the line is calculated correctly. i) The correct number of place holders and units are reported for the slope. j) The linear equation is correct. Each missing requirement results in the loss of one point.

Student Calculations: [5 total points] Use the linear equation to calculate the boiling point of water at your classrooms altitude. Show all your work. Use the equation to calculate the boiling point at some other altitude. Show all your work. Application of the linear equation will be scored as: 5 pts = All of the requirements listed below have been fulfilled. a) The linear equation used in the calculation is provided. b) The two altitudes used to solve for the boiling point are provided. c) The altitude is substituted into the linear equation as the x variable. d) An example calculation is included. e) The calculation is solved correctly.

Procedure
Time: 50 minutes Materials: Graph paper, ruler, and pen Background This RWLO describes a lesson plan that instructs students on how to create a simple x y scatter graph which can be used to find the linear correlation between the boiling point of water and altitude. Each student will be assigned to a group for this exercise. The members of the group will obtain their data for the exercise as a collaborative unit, but each member of the group will submit their own completed assignment. The raw data will be downloaded from a collaborative Web site created by CIESE called the International Boiling Point Project. Students will be required to graph the boiling point of water as a function of altitude, then the graph will be analyzed to determine the best linear fit of the data. Students will be asked to calculate the linear equation that describes this relationship. The linear equation will then be used to predict boiling points at different altitudes which can be compared to known or measured values. Students will be asked to write a summary of their findings based on the data analysis. This RWLO assumes that students have the prerequisite knowledge required to construct a simple x y scatter plot. Students should also be capable of recognizing a correlation between plotted variables. Implementation: This RWLO can be used as a classroom exercise or initiated in the classroom and completed as a homework activity in order to demonstrate the learning objectives. Each student will be assigned to a group for this exercise. The members of the group will obtain their data for the exercise as a collaborative unit. Each member of the group will submit their own graph and a summary report. The summary will include the derived linear equation and two calculations using of the equation to find the boiling point of water at a specific altitude. One calculation should be completed using the altitude of the classroom.

Steps: Assemble the students into their assigned groups. Supply each student with a piece of graph paper and a ruler. Also supply each student with the reference handout: Graphical Analyses. Describe all necessary information concerning the International Boiling Point Project (IBPP) and provide the students with its Web address Distribute and review the Assignment Handout. Discuss how the class will complete the activity. This will be depend on whether the activity is entirely in-class or partially used as a homework assignment.

Provide class time for each group to choose and download a data file from the International Boiling Point Project. All members of the same group must use the identical data file.