Authentic Learning Task (ALT) #4: How Changing Parameters Affect Graph Location and Shape

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ALT #4 Overview

Overview

In this ALT, you use graphing calculators to investigate how changing the parameters, such as the means and standard deviations of normal and uniform distributions, can change the locations and shapes of your graphs. You look at the differences between the exponential distribution and the normal and uniform distributions. By comparing equations of different distributions to your graphs as your means and standard deviations change, you observe the change in position and shape of the graphs.

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

  • Construct an exponential distribution graph from collected data and use the graph to formulate a description regarding the behavior of the data (Comp. 1).
  • Construct a histogram representing a uniform distribution; determine the validity of "systems" to predict random events (Comp. 5).
  • Describe the effect of changing the mean and standard deviation for uniform and normal distributions (Comp. 6).

Materials and Equipment
No materials or equipment are needed to complete this ALT.

Safety and Disposal
No special safety or disposal procedures are required.

Pre-Activity

To prepare for the activity:

Activity

In your team, peform the following step to complete the activity:

  1. Complete Data Sheet: How Changing Parameters Affect Graph Location and Shape and Instruction Sheet: How Changing Parameters Affect Graph Location and Shape Evaluation.
Post-Activity

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

Assignment
To prepare for ALT #5: Setting a Light Bulb Warranty Period, read Information Sheet: What Is a Warranty Period? in your Statistical Distributions Participant Journal.

Assessment
Your facilitator may use Assessment Sheet: How Changing Parameters Affect Graph Location and Shape to evaluate your results from the activity and your posting to the Discussion Board.

 

 
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