Leadership for the 21st Century: Teaching, Learning, and Technology

Week One: Journey North Mystery Class

Task #3: Make a Prediction

A best fit line will be drawn through the class data set graphed in Task #2 to create a photoperiod pattern for Marlborough. Several additional Mystery Class locations have been identified, and your next task will involve calculating their photoperiods for the same dates we used for our reference location: Marlborough, MA. This will allow you to begin seeing patterns and making predictions about the location of each of the Mystery Classes.

Step 1: Your Mystery Class Location
1. Your group will be assigned a Mystery Class and matching data sheet. Using your Task #3 Worksheet, calculate and record the photoperiods for your location and plot them on the "class" graph in the room. Use the ruler to draw a "best fit" line through your data points and be sure to label your set of points with your Mystery Class number. Note: This will result in several new lines being added to the "class" graph we developed in Task #2.
Once you have added your Mystery Class data to the "class" graph, please take a break.

Step 2: Seeing Patterns and Making Predictions
1. Take a minute to review the group Mystery Class graph, and pay close attention to the location and slope of the lines.

Step 3: Making Predictions
1. In your small group, begin to develop general predictions about the location of your Mystery Classes.
2. Complete the Task #3 Worksheet.
Notice that you have been given the longitude for your Mystery Class on your data sheet.