Teacher Resources

In this module, the students learn how to perform linear, exponential, and quadratic regressions to determine the curve of best fit for a set of data. They analyze the fit of the regression curve using residual plots to determine which curve fits the given data the best. This self-paced module is aligned with the Maryland College- and Career-Ready Standards in Mathematics for Algebra 1, which are based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

This module contains several interactive features. Watch the Learn How to Use this Module tutorial to familiarize yourself with these features.

Please review the Accessibility page for all of your students.

Module Information

  • Grade Band: Algebra 1, Grades 7-12
  • Topic: Residual Plots
  • Completion Time: 10 - 20 minutes
  • Vocabulary: Visit the Glossary page for definitions of key vocabulary in this module.
  • Focus Standards:
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.ID.B.6 - Represent data on two quantitative variables on a scatter plot, and describe how the variables are related.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.ID.C.7 - Interpret the slope (rate of change) and the intercept (constant term) of a linear model in the context of the data.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.ID.C.8 - Compute (using technology) and interpret the correlation coefficient of a linear fit.

    This module focuses on HSS.ID.B.6 as new learning. The standards HSS.ID.C.7 and HSS.ID.C.8 are addressed through application exercises.

  • Skills
    • Construct a scatterplot and analyze the trend of the data.
    • Calculate the equation for the curve of best fit.
    • Graph a residual plot to assess the fit of the regression curve.
    • Use the correlation coefficient, the coefficient of determination, and the residual plot to determine the curve of best fit.

Student Resources for this Module

In this module, students are provided with a link to an external website(s). The site has been chosen for its content and grade-level appropriateness. Efforts are made to minimize linking to websites that contain advertisements or comments, but some websites may contain these features. Teachers should preview all websites before introducing the activities to students and adhere to their school system's policy for Internet use. In addition, multimedia on these externally linked sites may not be accessible to all users, such as those individuals requiring a screen reader or using a tablet.

The following websites can be used as a resource for students as they complete this module:

Refer to the following links to graph a residual plot using the graphing calculator.

MathBits: Residuals and Least Squares Opens a new window
MathBits: Graphing Residuals Opens a new window

Refer to the following links to calculate the correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination using the graphing calculator.

MathBits: Turn on the Diagnostic Flag Opens a new window
and
MathBits: Correlation Coefficient Opens a new window

Using This Site

This lesson is built for use on classroom computers and tablets. If you have access to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, you may complete the lesson in your classroom. Otherwise, you will need to schedule time to use your school's computer lab. For technical specifications, see below.

Some activities on this site may include videos and narration, so you may want to have headphones available for students working at individual stations. For best results in viewing the videos and interactives, you should have a high-speed, stable Internet connection.

This lesson may contain PDFs for students to complete. They can print the PDFs and fill them out by hand, or download the files and fill them out on the computer. Most or all portions can be filled out online. Please check with your Instructional Technology Specialist for instructions on downloading the PDF. (Note that to complete the PDFs on the computer, you will need a viewer, such as Adobe Reader, that supports forms.)

Technology

This site is an Internet-based activity, and it was built to run on the following computer operating systems and browsers:

  • Windows 7 or Newer: IE 8, 9, 10, 11; Current version of Chrome; Current version of Firefox
  • Mac OS 10.7 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • iPad2/iOS6 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • Android 4.0 or Newer: Current version of Android browser
  • Chromebook: Current version of Chrome

Users running Internet Explorer 8 will not be able to use the highlighter tool. Instead, teachers should consider partnering students for a brief discussion.

Visit the Accessibility page for detailed information on the site's accessibility features.