Variables and Graphs: What's Our Story?
During the design process, engineers use graphs for data analysis.Copyright Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP). Used with permission.
Students learn how to quickly and efficiently interpret graphs, which are used for everyday purposes as well as engineering analysis. Through a practice handout completed as a class and a worksheet completed in small groups, students gain familiarity in talking about and interpreting graphs. They use common graph terminology such as independent variable, dependent variable, linear data, linear relationship and rate of change. The equation for calculating slope is explained. The focus is on students becoming able to clearly describe linear relationships by using the language of slope and the rate of change between variables. At lesson end, students discuss the relationship between variables as presented by the visual representation of a graph. Then they independently complete a homework handout.
Engineers use models to make generalizations about the relationship between variables. In some cases, linear data is used to analyze trends over long periods of time. A best fit line can be used to approximate an exact relationship between variables that are related in a linear fashion. This vital information is extrapolated to large-scale models to help engineers refine and deepen their understanding of real-world phenomena, which is pivotal in many engineering designs.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Interpret the relationship between variables given graphs.
- Interpret rate of change of linear data with appropriate mathematical language.