Pace University

DigitalCommons@Pace
Math Middle School

1-1-2010

Grades 7-8 Independent and Dependent Variables

Danielle Carpentieri
Pace University

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/middle_math

Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons

Recommended Citation
Carpentieri, Danielle,"Grades 7-8 Independent and Dependent Variables" (2010) Math. Paper3. http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/
middle_math/3

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Differentiated Lesson Plan

Danielle Carpentieri
 Differentiated Lesson Plan: Independent and Dependent Variables
By Danielle Carpentieri

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course: 8th Grade Mathematics

Unit Name: Functions
Lesson Name: Independent and Dependent Variables
Unit and Lesson Duration: Unit – 3 weeks
Lesson – 2 days

How the lesson fits into the This lesson occurs towards the beginning of a unit on functions, a
unit: mathematical topic that deals with the relationship between two quantities,
known as independent and dependent variables. Prior to learning functions,
students must understand independent and dependent variables and how
they relate to one another in specific situations. The goal for this lesson will
be to draw upon students’ intuitive awareness of cause and effect, and to
apply this knowledge to authentic, real-world situations. This will give
students the theoretical and conceptual foundations they will need to grasp
more complex and formulaic ideas in the unit. It will also promote
meaningful learning as it will show students how mathematics is relevant to
their everyday lives.

THE BIG IDEAS

Lesson Essential Questions:
How can we identify independent and dependent variables in the world
around us?

How are mathematical concepts and language used in everyday life?

How can we apply our understanding of independent and dependent
variables to real-life scenarios?

Lesson Objectives: Students will be able to:

Identify independent and dependent variables in the real world.

Express the relationship between specific independent and dependent
variables.
New York State Grade 8 Mathematics Core Curriculum
Mathematics Standards and
Performance Indicators Students will solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other
Addressed: contexts.

8.PS.5: Make conjectures from generalizations.
 Students will make and investigate mathematical conjectures.

8.RP.5: Provide supportive arguments for conjectures.

Students will develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs.

8.RP.7: Develop, explain, and verify an argument using
mathematical ideas and language.

Students will organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through

communication.

8.CM.1: Provide a correct, complete, coherent, and clear rationale
for thought process used in problem solving.

Students will communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and

clearly to peers, teachers, and others.

8.CM.4: Share organized mathematical ideas through the
manipulation of objects, numerical tables, drawings, charts, graphs,
tables, diagrams, models and symbols in written and verbal form.
Students will use the language of mathematics to express mathematical
ideas precisely.

8.CM.9: Increase their use of mathematical vocabulary and language
when communicating with others.

8.CM.10: Use appropriate language, representations, and
terminology when describing objects, relationships, mathematical
solutions, and rationale.

Students will recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of

mathematics.

8.CN.6: Recognize and provide examples of the presence of
mathematics in their daily lives.

8.CN.9: Recognize and apply mathematics to other disciplines, areas
of interest, and societal issues.

Students will create and use representations to organize, record, and

communicate mathematical ideas.

8.R.1: Use physical objects, drawings, charts, tables, graphs,
symbols, equations, and technology as representations.

8.R.2: Explain, describe, and defend mathematical ideas using
representations.
LESSON SEQUENCE

Pre-assessment: Pre-assessment will occur prior to the lesson and will be used to determine
students’ levels of readiness.

Anticipatory Set or Hook: Students will be shown a clip from the reality TV show “Dancing with the
Stars.” They will watch a dancer perform and see the scores and
 commentary of the judges after the performance.
After the clip, students will be asked, “Based on the judges’ comments and
your prior knowledge, what factors do you think influenced the dancer’s
score?” [e.g., what variables does the score depend on? What factors will
cause the score to increase? Decrease?]
(other shows which illustrate cause-effect can be substituted)
This will be a fun and interesting way to introduce the tiered assignment. In
particular, it will show students that independent and dependent variables
can be found in the world around us.

Tiered Assignment: Students will be divided into three groups based on their levels of readiness,
as determined by pre-assessment worksheets. For each group level, the
performance assessment of the lesson will be tiered in all of the following
areas.

Low Group

Challenge Level/Complexity

will use research materials to find 5 independent variables that are
related to a specific dependent variable

will explain a general relationship between each of the 5

independent variables and the dependent variable, based on research.
(e.g., as independent variable #1 increases, the dependent variable
increases)
Resources

will use at least two resources

Outcome

will describe a general relationship for 5 independent variables

Product

will produce a news article based on topic of interest

will produce a creative piece based on learning style
Process

will conduct research and look for general information

Average Group

Challenge Level/Complexity

will use research materials to find 5 independent variables that are
related to a specific dependent variable

will explain a general relationship between each of the 5
independent variables and the dependent variable, based on research.
(e.g., as independent variable #1 increases, the dependent variable
increases)

will conjecture about a precise relationship between 1 of the 5

independent variables and the dependent variable. (e.g., as
independent variable #1 increases by amount x, the dependent
variable increases by amount y)

Resources

will use at least three resources

Outcome

will describe a general relationship for 5 independent variables

will conjecture about a precise relationship for 1 independent
variable

Product

will produce a news article based on topic of interest

will produce a creative piece based on learning style
Process

will conduct research and look for general information

will use background knowledge and research to make a conjecture

High Group

Challenge Level/Complexity

will use research materials to find 5 independent variables that are
related to a specific dependent variable

will explain a general relationship between each of the 5

independent variables and the dependent variable, based on research.
(e.g., as independent variable #1 increases, the dependent variable
increases)

will conjecture about a precise relationship between 2 of the 5

independent variables and the dependent variable. (e.g., as
independent variable #1 increases by amount x, the dependent
variable increases by amount y)

will form an opinion on whether agree or disagree with 1 of the

general relationships found in research
Resources

will use at least three resources
 Outcome

will describe a general relationship for 5 independent variables

will conjecture about a precise relationship for 2 independent
variables

will express opinion
Product

will produce a news article based on topic of interest

will produce a creative piece based on learning style
Process

will conduct research and look for general information

will use background knowledge and research to make a conjecture

will evaluate findings and form opinion

Anchor Activities: Anchor activities will be provided for students who complete the tiered
assignment. These activities will appeal to diverse readiness levels,
interests, and learning styles.

Post-assessment: Post-assessment will occur after the lesson. The goal of post-assessment
will be to determine if students have achieved the learning objectives. This
will be determined through questioning and also through students’ self-
assessment.

Attached please find the pre-assessment, tiered assignments and rubrics, anchor activities, and
post-assessment. Rubrics were created with http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
On tiered worksheets, readiness levels are signified by the following symbols. Students will not
know the meaning of these symbols.

Low Level

Average Level

High Level
Name: _______________________ Date:________________
Pre-assessment

Complete the following table by writing possible independent or dependent variables.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

EXAMPLE:

Number of hours you study for a test Your test score

1. Number of gallons in your gas tank 1.

2. 2. Your IQ (Intelligence Quotient)

3. The number of calories you eat each day 3.

4. 4. Your level of happiness

Refer to the following graph for questions 5-7.

24
Cost of Pizza

22
20
18
16
14
12
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Number of Pizza Toppings

5. What is the independent variable?

6. What is the dependent variable?

7. How are the independent and dependent variables related? (Be as precise as you can)
You are given the following data on the relationship between John’s test score and the number of
hours he studies.

# of Hours John Studies John’s Test Score

0 75
.5 80
1 85
1.5 90
2 95
2.5 100

8. What are the independent and dependent variables?

9. How are the independent and dependent variables related? (Be as precise as you can)

You are given the following data on the relationship between the number of dinner guests at
Mary’s house and the amount of time she will need to prepare dinner.

Number of Guests Meal Preparation Time (min)

3 25
4 33
5 41
6 49
7 57
8 65

10. What are the independent and dependent variables?

11. How are the independent and dependent variables related? (Be as precise as you can)
 Independent and Dependent Variables: Around Us All the Time?

Role: You are a news reporter who has been given the job
of reporting on a current, hot topic which you find
interesting.

Audience: You will be preparing your report for the general

public.

Format: You will choose a topic of interest to be your

dependent variable. The topics are: global warming,
cancer, teen depression, and high school dropout
rates. Other topics must be approved by the teacher.
Then, you will prepare a news article based on
research you conduct on your topic. In addition, you
will produce a creative piece that will be presented to
the class.

Topic: Independent and dependent variables in the real

world, as well as how they are related.
 Global Warming

Global Warming News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that
are in some way related to global warming.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following
tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically, the article must
explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to global warming, in
general terms.

For example, as population (independent variable) increases, global warming

(dependent variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the
class. This creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must
explain or show how each of these variables is related to global warming in general
terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 2 resources to support
your findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites,
books, or magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
www.epa.gov/globalwarming/
http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html
 Cancer

Cancer News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that
are in some way related to cancer.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following
tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically, the article must
explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to cancer, in general
terms.

For example, as a person’s exposure to sunlight (independent variable) increases

(independent variable), his or her chance of developing cancer (dependent
variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the
class. This creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must
explain or show how each of these variables is related to cancer in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 2 resources to support
your findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites,
books, or magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
www.cancer.org
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medlineplus.html
http://www.cancer.gov/
 Teen Depression

Teen Depression News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that
are in some way related to teen depression.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following
tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically, the article must
explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to teen depression, in
general terms.

For example, as the number of stressful events in a teen’s life (independent

variable) increases, his or her chance of developing depression (dependent
variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the
class. This creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must
explain or show how each of these variables is related to teen depression in general
terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 2 resources to support
your findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites,
books, or magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
http://www.teendepression.org
http://www.pbis/org/schoolwide.htm
http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
 High School Dropout Rates

High School Dropout News Reporter (not literally!),

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that
are in some way related to high school dropout rates.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following
tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically, the article must
explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to high school dropout
rates, in general terms.

For example, as the number of weekly hours a student spends participating in

extracurricular activities (independent variable) increases, his or her chance of
dropping out of high school (dependent variable) decreases.

These findings must be supported by research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the
class. This creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must
explain or show how each of these variables is related to high school dropout rates in
general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 2 resources to support
your findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites,
books, or magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/05/dropout.rate.study/index.html
http://www.joe.org/joe/2005august/rb6.php
http://nces.ed.gov/
 Global Warming

Global Warming News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to global warming.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to global
warming, in general terms.

For example, as population (independent variable) increases, global warming

(dependent variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include a conjecture about a precise relationship between global
warming and 1 of the independent variables.

For example, for every population increase of 1 billion people, the temperature of
the Earth will increase by 1° F.

Base your conjecture on prior knowledge or research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how
each of these variables is related to global warming in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your
findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or
magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
www.epa.gov/globalwarming/
http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html
 Cancer

Cancer News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to cancer.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to cancer, in
general terms.

For example, as the number of cigarettes a person smokes (independent variable)

increases, his or her chance of developing cancer (dependent variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include a conjecture about a precise relationship between cancer and 1 of
the independent variables.

For example, for every 5,000 cigarettes a person smokes, his or her chance of
developing cancer increases by 8%.

Base your conjecture on prior knowledge or research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how
each of these variables is related to cancer in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your
findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or
magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
www.cancer.org
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medlineplus.html
http://www.cancer.gov/
 Teen Depression

Teen Depression News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to teen depression.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to teen
depression, in general terms.

For example, as the number of stressful events in a teen’s life (independent variable)
increases, his or her chance of developing depression (dependent variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include a conjecture about a precise relationship between teen
depression and 1 of the independent variables.

For example, for every stressful event in a teen’s life, his or her chance of developing
depression increases by 10%.

Base your conjecture on prior knowledge or research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how
each of these variables is related to teen depression in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your
findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or
magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
http://www.teendepression.org
http://www.pbis/org/schoolwide.htm
http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
 High School Dropout Rates

High School Dropout News Reporter (not literally!),

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to high school dropout rates.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to high school
dropout rates, in general terms.

For example, as the number of weekly hours a student spends participating in

extracurricular activities (independent variable) increases, his or her chance of dropping
out of high school (dependent variable) decreases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include a conjecture about a precise relationship between high school
dropout rates and 1 of the independent variables.

For example, for every hour a student spends participating in extracurricular activities
each week, his or her chance of dropping out of high school decreases by 5%.

Base your conjecture on prior knowledge or research!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how each
of these variables is related to high school dropout rates, in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your findings.
You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or magazines.

http://school.discovery.com
www.factmonster.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/05/dropout.rate.study/index.html
http://www.joe.org/joe/2005august/rb6.php
http://nces.ed.gov/
 Global Warming
Global Warming News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to global warming.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to global
warming, in general terms.

For example, as population (independent variable) increases, global warming

(dependent variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include conjectures about a precise relationship between global warming
and 2 of the independent variables.

For example, for every population increase of 1 billion people, the temperature of
the Earth will increase by 1° F.

Base your conjectures on prior knowledge or research!

c) For 1 of the general relationships found in part a), you must state whether you agree or
disagree with the relationship. You must explain and defend your position!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how
each of these variables is related to global warming in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your
findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or
magazines.

http://school.discovery.com, www.factmonster.com, www.epa.gov/globalwarming/

http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp,
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html
 Cancer
Cancer News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to cancer.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to cancer, in
general terms.

For example, as the number of cigarettes a person smokes (independent variable)

increases, his or her chance of developing cancer (dependent variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include conjectures about a precise relationship between cancer and 2 of
the independent variables.

For example, for every 5,000 cigarettes a person smokes, his or her chance of
developing cancer increases by 8%.

Base your conjectures on prior knowledge or research!

c) For 1 of the general relationships found in part a), you must state whether you agree or
disagree with the relationship. You must explain and defend your position!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how
each of these variables is related to cancer in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your
findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or
magazines.

http://school.discovery.com, www.factmonster.com, www.cancer.org

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medlineplus.html, http://www.cancer.gov/
 Teen Depression
Teen Depression News Reporter,

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to teen depression.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to teen
depression, in general terms.

For example, as the number of stressful events in a teen’s life (independent variable)
increases, his or her chance of developing depression (dependent variable) increases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include conjectures about a precise relationship between teen depression
and 2 of the independent variables.

For example, for every stressful event in a teen’s life, his or her chance of developing
depression increases by 10%.

Base your conjectures on prior knowledge or research!

c) For 1 of the general relationships found in part a), you must state whether you agree or
disagree with the relationship. You must explain and defend your position!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how
each of these variables is related to teen depression in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your
findings. You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or
magazines.

http://school.discovery.com, www.factmonster.com, http://www.teendepression.org

http://www.pbis/org/schoolwide.htm , http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
 High School Dropout Rates

High School Dropout News Reporter (not literally!),

You have been given the following job:

Using the resources provided below or others, you must find 5 independent variables that are in some
way related to high school dropout rates.

After you locate your independent variables, you must complete ALL of the following tasks:

1) Write a news article which describes your findings. Specifically,

a) The article must explain how each of your 5 independent variables is related to high school
dropout rates, in general terms.

For example, as the number of weekly hours a student spends participating in

extracurricular activities (independent variable) increases, his or her chance of dropping
out of high school (dependent variable) decreases.

These findings must be supported by research!

b) The article must include conjectures about a precise relationship between high school dropout
rates and 2 of the independent variables.

For example, for every hour a student spends participating in extracurricular activities
each week, his or her chance of dropping out of high school decreases by 5%.

Base your conjectures on prior knowledge or research!

c) For 1 of the general relationships found in part a), you must state whether you agree or
disagree with the relationship. You must explain and defend your position!

2) Complete ONE of the following creative assignments, which you will present to the class. This
creative assignment must refer to your independent variables and it must explain or show how each
of these variables is related to high school dropout rates, in general terms.

a. Write a song or jingle

b. Create a poster or display
c. Deliver a news story as if you are a newscaster on TV
d. Make a graph/diagram/chart
e. Teach a lesson as if you are a teacher and your classmates are your students

3) Prepare a list of the resources you used. You must use at least 3 resources to support your findings.
You may choose from the resources below or from other websites, books, or magazines.

http://school.discovery.com, www.factmonster.com,
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/05/dropout.rate.study/index.html,
http://www.joe.org/joe/2005august/rb6.php
http://nces.ed.gov/
 RAFT Project Rubric

Student: ________________________________________________

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Reference to References are References are References are References are
Independent made to 5 made to 4 made to 3 made to 2 or less
independent independent independent independent
Variables variables. variables. variables. variables.

Explanation of Explanations are Explanations are Explanations are a Explanations are

General detailed and clear. clear. little difficult to difficult to
understand, but understand and are
Relationships include critical missing several
Between components. components OR are
Independent not included.
Variables and
Dependent
Variable
Creative Piece Includes all of the Includes most of the Includes some of the Includes few or none
independent independent independent of the independent
variables and variables and variables and variables and
explains their explains their explains their explains their
relationships to the relationships to the relationships to the relationships to the
dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable
in a clear and in a clear manner. in a somewhat in a very unclear
detailed manner. Presentation of unclear manner. manner.
Presentation of creative piece is Presentation of Presentation of
creative piece is clear. creative piece is creative piece is very
clear and engaging. unclear. unclear and difficult
to understand.
Resources At least 2 resources At least 2 resources 1 resource is used. No resources are
are used, and all are used, but not all used.
findings are findings are
supported by supported by
research. research.

Neatness and The work is The work is The work is The work appears
Organization presented in a neat, presented in a neat presented in an sloppy and
clear, organized and organized organized fashion unorganized. It is
fashion that is easy fashion that is but may be hard to hard to know what
to read. usually easy to read. read at times. information goes
together.
 RAFT Project Rubric

Student: ________________________________________________

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Reference to References are References are References are References are
Independent made to 5 made to 4 made to 3 made to 2 or less
independent independent independent independent
Variables variables. variables. variables. variables.

Explanation of Explanations are Explanations are Explanations are a Explanations are

General detailed and clear. clear. little difficult to difficult to
understand, but understand and are
Relationships include critical missing several
Between components. components OR are
Independent not included.
Variables and
Dependent
Variable
Conjecture Conjecture about Conjecture about Conjecture about Conjecture about
relationship between relationship between relationship between relationship between
1 independent 1 independent 1 independent 1 independent
variable and the variable and the variable and the variable and the
dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable
is precise and clear. is clear but not is unclear and not is very unclear or is
precise. precise. missing.

Creative Piece Includes all of the Includes most of the Includes some of the Includes few or none
independent independent independent of the independent
variables and variables and variables and variables and
explains their explains their explains their explains their
relationships to the relationships to the relationships to the relationships to the
dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable
in a clear and in a clear manner. in a somewhat in a very unclear
detailed manner. Presentation of unclear manner. manner.
Presentation of creative piece is Presentation of Presentation of
creative piece is clear. creative piece is creative piece is very
clear and engaging. unclear. unclear and difficult
to understand.
Resources At least 3 resources 3 resources are used 1 resource is used. No resources are
are used, and all but not all findings used.
findings are are supported by
supported by research OR 2
research. resources are used.

Neatness and The work is The work is The work is The work appears
Organization presented in a neat, presented in a neat presented in an sloppy and
clear, organized and organized organized fashion unorganized. It is
fashion that is easy fashion that is but may be hard to hard to know what
to read. usually easy to read. read at times. information goes
together.
 RAFT Project Rubric

Student: ________________________________________________

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Reference to References are References are References are References are
Independent made to 5 made to 4 made to 3 made to 2 or less
independent independent independent independent
Variables variables. variables. variables. variables.

Explanation of Explanations are Explanations are Explanations are a Explanations are

General detailed and clear. clear. little difficult to difficult to
understand, but understand and are
Relationships include critical missing several
Between components. components OR are
Independent not included.
Variables and
Dependent
Variable
Conjectures Conjectures about Conjectures about Both conjectures are Both conjectures are
relationships relationships unclear and not missing.
between 2 between 2 precise OR
independent independent one conjecture is
variables and the variables and the missing.
dependent variable dependent variable
are both precise and are both clear, but
clear. one or both are not
precise.
Opinion Opinion on the Opinion on the Opinion on the Opinion on the
general relationship general relationship general relationship general relationship
between 1 between 1 between 1 between 1
independent variable independent variable independent variable independent variable
and the dependent and the dependent and the dependent and the dependent
variable is clearly variable is clearly variable is somewhat variable is very
stated and stated but not fully unclear and is not unclear or is missing.
supported. supported. fully supported.
Creative Piece Includes all of the Includes most of the Includes some of the Includes few or none
independent independent independent of the independent
variables and variables and variables and variables and
explains their explains their explains their explains their
relationships to the relationships to the relationships to the relationships to the
dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable dependent variable
in a clear and in a clear manner. in a somewhat in a very unclear
detailed manner. Presentation of unclear manner. manner.
Presentation of creative piece is Presentation of Presentation of
creative piece is clear. creative piece is creative piece is very
clear and engaging. unclear. unclear and difficult
to understand.
Resources At least 3 resources 3 resources are used 1 resource is used. No resources are
are used, and all but not all findings used.
findings are are supported by
supported by research OR 2
research. resources are used.

Neatness and The work is The work is The work is The work appears
Organization presented in a neat, presented in a neat presented in an sloppy and
clear, organized and organized organized fashion unorganized. It is
fashion that is easy fashion that is but may be hard to hard to know what
to read. usually easy to read. read at times. information goes
together.
 Anchor Activities
If you finish your RAFT project, here are some activities for you to work on…
Choose the ones which you find most interesting!

1) Write a journal entry about what independent and dependent variables are, in your own
words. Brainstorm other examples of independent and dependent variables from everyday
life.

2) Share your thoughts with a classmate about two things which you think are related from
everyday life. Document the other person’s thoughts/reaction and compare and contrast
them to your own. After one person shares, switch roles.

3) Make a list of movies or songs which illustrate a cause-effect relationship between two or
more variables. Explain the relationships.

4) Based on the following table, make a conjecture about what the first column represents.

? Monthly Cell Phone Bill

500 $25
550 $31
600 $37
650 $43
700 $49
750 $54

What is the precise relationship between the two columns?

5) Use online resources to read or listen to a famous speech in history, such as The Gettysburg
Address, I Have a Dream, and JFK’s Inaugural Address. Identify any examples of cause-
effect that you read or hear. If possible, identify independent and dependent variables and
explain how they are related.

6) Prepare a skit with a partner in which one person assumes the role of an independent variable
and the other person assumes the role of a dependent variable. In the skit, you must identify
what each person represents as well as explain how you are related to each other. The skit
will be performed for the class at a later date.
7) Analyze the following picture and summarize its message. Using the picture as a model,
create your own picture using different independent and dependent variables.
Name: _______________________ Date:________________
Post-assessment

1) What are independent and dependent variables?

2) What is a general relationship between an independent and dependent variable? What is a

precise relationship?

3) Complete the following table by writing possible independent or dependent variables.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

EXAMPLE:

Number of hours you study for a test Your test score

Number of books you read per year

Your annual car insurance cost

Your annual salary

Your level of boredom

4) Fill in the blanks with increases or decreases.

a. As radius increases, circumference _________________. (Hint: C = 2πr)

b. As the height of a rectangle decreases, its area _______________________.

c. As age __________________, mobility usually ___________________.

d. As temperature ____________________, the chance of snow __________________.

SELF-ASSESS

On a scale of 1- 10, with 1 = not at all and 10 = extremely well, how well do you feel you
understand independent and dependent variables?

Would you be able to teach the topic to a classmate?