Authentic Learning Task (ALT) #1: Using a Graphing Calculator to Analyze Exponential Distributions

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ALT #1 Overview

Overview

This ALT provides an illustration of the exponential distribution. This Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL) experiment illustrates the exponential distribution's applicability in areas other than the manufacturing area.

In this ALT, you conduct the Texas Instruments CBL heat experiment. Using the CBL and a TI-80 series graphing calculator, the temperature of a cooling object is collected and analyzed using an exponential distribution.

After completing this ALT, you should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Create and interpret exponential, uniform, and normal distributions (Comp. 1).
  • Apply the concept of random variables to generate and interpret probability distributions, including uniform, normal, and exponential (Comp. 2).
  • Construct an exponential distribution graph from collected data and use the graph to formulate a description regarding the behavior of the data (Comp. 3).

Materials and Equipment
No materials or equipment are required for this ALT.

Safety and Disposal
Be careful when working with any very hot liquid.

Pre-Activity

To prepare for the activity:

Activity

In your team, perform the following steps to complete the activity:

  1. The Texas Instruments Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL) will collect and transfer the data to the calculator.
  2. Follow the directions in EXPERIMENT P3: "Newton's Law of Cooling," p.45 of the CBL System Experiment Workbook. If a view screen is available for the model calculator being used, your mediator may demonstrate the experiment first, so that you will see how to use the equipment and what results you can expect.
  3. Use the calculator's exponential regression procedure to model the data.
  4. Complete Data Sheet: Using a Graphing Calculator to Analyze Exponential Distributions.
Post-Activity

Your team should now post its results from the activity to the Discussion Board.

Assignment
There are no instructions to prepare for ALT #2: The Learning Curve.

Assessment
Your facilitator may use Assessment Sheet: Using a Graphing Calculator to Analyze Exponential Distributions to evaluate your results from the activity and your posting to the Discussion Board.

 
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