This resource is an example of modeling the line of best fit by plotting the number of rubber bands that form a bungee cord and how far a Barbie doll can bungee jump with the length of cord. Students calculate the line of best fit by hand and using a graphing calculator. They interpret key parts of the line such as slope and y-intercept.

"The Knots Lab" is a hands-on experiment that can be used when teaching linear functions; primarily when discussing lines of best fit.  Students are given a rope (3-5 feet in length) and a ruler.  Students begin by measuring the rope.  Students then tie knots in the rope, and after tying each knot, measure the resulting length of the rope.  After constructing a scatter plot of their data, students are asked a series of questions where they must use their data and regression equation to answer.

In this class, students use data and systems knowledge to build models of complex socio-technical systems for improved system design and decision-making. Students will enhance their model-building skills, through review and extension of functions of random variables, Poisson processes, and Markov processes; move from applied probability to statistics via Chi-squared t and f tests, derived as functions of random variables; and review classical statistics, hypothesis tests, regression, correlation and causation, simple data mining techniques, and Bayesian vs. classical statistics. A class project is required.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources uses a variety of tools and techniques to monitor wildlife, and to produce population estimates to better inform management decisions. Population estimates are used to look at long term trends, as well as setting harvest limits during hunting seasons for potentially vulnerable species. There are two count methods for generating population information: sample counts and total counts. In total counts, every individual of an intended geographic area is counted. For sample counts, a smaller fraction of individuals are counted and the data is used to interpolate population information for the entire geographic area. In this activity, you will create a model for these two different count methods and explore the advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.