The Challenge Question
An important part of lab research is analysis of the data generated.Copyright 2007 Stacy S. Klein, Vanderbilt University
Students are introduced to the "Walk the Line" challenge question. They write journal responses to the question and brainstorm what information they need to answer the question. Ideas are shared with the class (or in pairs and then to the class, if class size is large). Then students read an interview with an engineer to gain a professional perspective on linear data sets and best-fit lines. Students brainstorm for additional ideas and add them to the list. With the teacher's guidance, students organize the ideas into logical categories of needed knowledge.
Engineers often interpret data sets and determine lines of best fit. Linear data is acquired for many engineering applications, such as Hooke's law and Ohm's law. For example, electrical engineers use Ohm's law as the most basic and important equation for analyzing the circuitry of electrical devices they design. In journal topic 1 of the post-lesson assessment, students consider possible data sources.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the challenge problem.
- List what information might be needed to answer the problem.
- Group together similar areas of knowledge needed for the challenge.
- Explain how engineers apply linear equations to the engineering problem solving process.