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California - Mathematics: Mathematics III
Common Core State Standards | Adopted: 2014
N: : Number and Quantity
N-CN: : The Complex Number System
1.1.1: : Use complex numbers in polynomial identities and equations.
N-CN.8: : Extend polynomial identities to the complex numbers.
Points in the Complex Plane
Identify the imaginary and real coordinates of a point in the complex plane. Drag the point in the plane and investigate how the coordinates change in response. 5 Minute Preview
A: : Algebra
A-SSE: : Seeing Structure in Expressions
2.1.1: : Interpret the structure of expressions
A-SSE.2: : Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it.
Factoring Special Products
Choose the correct steps to factor a polynomial involving perfect-square binomials, differences of squares, or constant factors. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling the Factorization of ax2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient greater than 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling the Factorization of x2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient equal to 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
A-APR: : Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational Expressions
2.2.2: : Understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials
A-APR.2: : Know and apply the Remainder Theorem: For a polynomial p(x) and a number a, the remainder on division by x – a is p(a), so p(a) = 0 if and only if (x – a) is a factor of p(x).
Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division
Divide a polynomial by dragging the correct numbers into the correct positions for synthetic division. Compare the interpreted polynomial division to the synthetic division. 5 Minute Preview
A-APR.3: : Identify zeros of polynomials when suitable factorizations are available, and use the zeros to construct a rough graph of the function defined by the polynomial.
Polynomials and Linear Factors
Create a polynomial as a product of linear factors. Vary the values in the linear factors to see how their connection to the roots of the function. 5 Minute Preview
2.2.3: : Use polynomial identities to solve problems
A-APR.5: : Know and apply the Binomial Theorem for the expansion of (x + y)^n in powers of x and y for a positive integer n, where x and y are any numbers, with coefficients determined for example by Pascal’s Triangle.
Binomial Probabilities
Find the probability of a number of successes or failures in a binomial experiment using a tree diagram, a bar graph, and direct calculation. 5 Minute Preview
A-CED: : Creating Equations
2.3.1: : Create equations that describe numbers or relationships
A-CED.1: : Create equations and inequalities in one variable including ones with absolute value and use them to solve problems. Include equations arising from linear and quadratic functions, and simple rational and exponential functions.
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Solve an inequality involving absolute values using a graph of the absolute-value function. Vary the terms of the absolute-value function and vary the value that you are comparing it to. Then explore how the graph and solution set change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Exploring Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Solve inequalities in one variable. Examine the inequality on a number line and determine which points are solutions to the inequality. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling One-Step Equations
Solve a linear equation using a tile model. Use feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling and Solving Two-Step Equations
Solve a two-step equation using a cup-and-counter model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose and correct incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
Roots of a Quadratic
Find the root of a quadratic using its graph or the quadratic formula. Explore the graph of the roots and the point of symmetry in the complex plane. Compare the axis of symmetry and graph of the quadratic in the real plane. 5 Minute Preview
Solving Equations by Graphing Each Side
Solve an equation by graphing each side and finding the intersection of the lines. Vary the coefficients in the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Solving Equations on the Number Line
Solve an equation involving decimals using dynamic arrows on a number line. 5 Minute Preview
Solving Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Solve one-step inequalities in one variable. Graph the solution on a number line. 5 Minute Preview
Solving Two-Step Equations
Choose the correct steps to solve a two-step equation. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
A-CED.2: : Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales.
Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of an exponential function. Vary the coefficient and base of the function and investigate the changes to the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
Introduction to Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of the exponential function. Vary the initial amount and base of the function. Investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Quadratics in Vertex Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in vertex form. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
Rational Functions
Compare the graph of a rational function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph is translated and stretched as a result. Examine the domain on a number line and compare it to the graph of the equation. 5 Minute Preview
Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
Compare the slope-intercept form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
A-CED.3: : Represent constraints by equations or inequalities, and by systems of equations and/or inequalities, and interpret solutions as viable or non-viable options in a modeling context.
Linear Programming
Use the graph of the feasible region to find the maximum or minimum value of the objective function. Vary the coefficients of the objective function and vary the constraints. Explore how the graph of the feasible region changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
A-CED.4: : Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations.
Roots of a Quadratic
Find the root of a quadratic using its graph or the quadratic formula. Explore the graph of the roots and the point of symmetry in the complex plane. Compare the axis of symmetry and graph of the quadratic in the real plane. 5 Minute Preview
Solving Formulas for any Variable
Choose the correct steps to solve a formula for a given variable. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
A-REI: : Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
2.4.2: : Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphically
A-REI.11: : Explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the equations y = f(x) and y = g(x) intersect are the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x); find the solutions approximately, e.g., using technology to graph the functions, make tables of values, or find successive approximations. Include cases where f(x) and/or g(x) are linear, polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Solve an inequality involving absolute values using a graph of the absolute-value function. Vary the terms of the absolute-value function and vary the value that you are comparing it to. Then explore how the graph and solution set change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
F: : Functions
F-IF: : Interpreting Functions
3.1.1: : Interpret functions that arise in applications in terms of the context
F-IF.4: : For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship.
Absolute Value with Linear Functions
Compare the graph of a linear function, the graph of an absolute-value function, and the graphs of their translations. Vary the coefficients and constants in the functions and investigate how the graphs change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of an exponential function. Vary the coefficient and base of the function and investigate the changes to the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
General Form of a Rational Function
Compare the equation of a rational function to its graph. Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by linear factors and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
Quadratics in Factored Form
Investigate the factors of a quadratic through its graph and through its equation. Vary the roots of the quadratic and examine how the graph and the equation change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Quadratics in Vertex Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in vertex form. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
Compare the slope-intercept form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Standard Form of a Line
Compare the standard form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
F-IF.5: : Relate the domain of a function to its graph and, where applicable, to the quantitative relationship it describes.
Absolute Value with Linear Functions
Compare the graph of a linear function, the graph of an absolute-value function, and the graphs of their translations. Vary the coefficients and constants in the functions and investigate how the graphs change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Exponential Growth and Decay
Explore the graph of the exponential growth or decay function. Vary the initial amount and the rate of growth or decay and investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
General Form of a Rational Function
Compare the equation of a rational function to its graph. Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by linear factors and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Points, Lines, and Equations
Compare the graph of a linear function to its rule and to a table of its values. Change the function by dragging two points on the line. Examine how the rule and table change. 5 Minute Preview
Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
F-IF.6: : Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function (presented symbolically or as a table) over a specified interval. Estimate the rate of change from a graph.
Distance-Time Graphs
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner complete a 40-yard dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the speed of the runner. What will the runner do if the slope of the line is zero? What if the slope is negative? Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. 5 Minute Preview
Distance-Time Graphs - Metric
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner complete a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the speed of the runner. What will the runner do if the slope of the line is zero? What if the slope is negative? Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. 5 Minute Preview
Distance-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner run a 40-yard dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the velocity of the runner. Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. Also experiment with a graph of velocity versus time for the runners, and also distance traveled versus time. 5 Minute Preview
Distance-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs - Metric
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner run a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the velocity of the runner. Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. Also experiment with a graph of velocity versus time for the runners, and also distance traveled versus time. 5 Minute Preview
Slope
Explore the slope of a line, and learn how to calculate slope. Adjust the line by moving points that are on the line, and see how its slope changes. 5 Minute Preview
3.1.2: : Analyze functions using different representations
F-IF.7: : Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.
F-IF.7.b: : Graph square root, cube root, and piecewise-defined functions, including step functions and absolute value functions.
Absolute Value with Linear Functions
Compare the graph of a linear function, the graph of an absolute-value function, and the graphs of their translations. Vary the coefficients and constants in the functions and investigate how the graphs change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
Translating and Scaling Functions
Vary the coefficients in the equation of a function and examine how the graph of the function is translated or scaled. Select different functions to translate and scale, and determine what they have in common. 5 Minute Preview
F-IF.7.c: : Graph polynomial functions, identifying zeros when suitable factorizations are available, and showing end behavior.
Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
Polynomials and Linear Factors
Create a polynomial as a product of linear factors. Vary the values in the linear factors to see how their connection to the roots of the function. 5 Minute Preview
F-IF.7.e: : Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, showing intercepts and end behavior, and trigonometric functions, showing period, midline, and amplitude.
Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of an exponential function. Vary the coefficient and base of the function and investigate the changes to the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
Introduction to Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of the exponential function. Vary the initial amount and base of the function. Investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
Logarithmic Functions: Translating and Scaling
Vary the values in the equation of a logarithmic function and examine how the graph is translated or scaled. Connect these transformations with the domain of the function, and the asymptote in the graph. 5 Minute Preview
Translating and Scaling Functions
Vary the coefficients in the equation of a function and examine how the graph of the function is translated or scaled. Select different functions to translate and scale, and determine what they have in common. 5 Minute Preview
Translating and Scaling Sine and Cosine Functions
Experiment with the graph of a sine or cosine function. Explore how changing the values in the equation can translate or scale the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
F-IF.8: : Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to reveal and explain different properties of the function.
Quadratics in Factored Form
Investigate the factors of a quadratic through its graph and through its equation. Vary the roots of the quadratic and examine how the graph and the equation change in response. 5 Minute Preview
F-BF: : Building Functions
3.2.1: : Build a function that models a relationship between two quantities
F-BF.1: : Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities.
F-BF.1.b: : Combine standard function types using arithmetic operations.
Addition and Subtraction of Functions
Explore the graphs of two polynomials and the graph of their sum or difference. Vary the coefficients in the polynomials and investigate how the graphs change in response. 5 Minute Preview
3.2.2: : Build new functions from existing functions
F-BF.3: : Identify the effect on the graph of replacing f(x) by f(x) + k, kf(x), f(kx), and f(x + k) for specific values of k (both positive and negative); find the value of k given the graphs. Experiment with cases and illustrate an explanation of the effects on the graph using technology.
Absolute Value with Linear Functions
Compare the graph of a linear function, the graph of an absolute-value function, and the graphs of their translations. Vary the coefficients and constants in the functions and investigate how the graphs change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of an exponential function. Vary the coefficient and base of the function and investigate the changes to the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
Introduction to Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of the exponential function. Vary the initial amount and base of the function. Investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
Logarithmic Functions: Translating and Scaling
Vary the values in the equation of a logarithmic function and examine how the graph is translated or scaled. Connect these transformations with the domain of the function, and the asymptote in the graph. 5 Minute Preview
Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Quadratics in Vertex Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in vertex form. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
Rational Functions
Compare the graph of a rational function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph is translated and stretched as a result. Examine the domain on a number line and compare it to the graph of the equation. 5 Minute Preview
Translating and Scaling Functions
Vary the coefficients in the equation of a function and examine how the graph of the function is translated or scaled. Select different functions to translate and scale, and determine what they have in common. 5 Minute Preview
Translating and Scaling Sine and Cosine Functions
Experiment with the graph of a sine or cosine function. Explore how changing the values in the equation can translate or scale the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
Zap It! Game
Adjust the values in a quadratic function, in vertex form or in polynomial form, to "zap" as many data points as possible. 5 Minute Preview
F-BF.4: : Find inverse functions.
F-BF.4.a: : Solve an equation of the form f(x) = c for a simple function f that has an inverse and write an expression for the inverse.
Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
F-LE: : Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models
3.3.1: : Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential models and solve problems
F-LE.4: : For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to ab to the ct power = d where a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the logarithm using technology.
Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
F-LE.4.2: : Use the definition of logarithms to translate between logarithms in any base.
Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
F-LE.4.3: : Understand and use the properties of logarithms to simplify logarithmic numeric expressions and to identify their approximate values.
Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
F-TF: : Trigonometric Functions
3.4.1: : Extend the domain of trigonometric functions using the unit circle
F-TF.1: : Understand radian measure of an angle as the length of the arc on the unit circle subtended by the angle.
Cosine Function
Compare the graph of the cosine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the cosine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Radians
As factory belt operator, your job is to move boxes just the right distance on the belt, so they can be stamped for delivery. Your only controls are the radius and rotation of the belt’s wheel. How do you set these to get the distance right? See how this relates to arc length, and discover how radians help make this task easier. 5 Minute Preview
Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Tangent Function
Compare the graph of the tangent function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the tangent curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
F-TF.2: : Explain how the unit circle in the coordinate plane enables the extension of trigonometric functions to all real numbers, interpreted as radian measures of angles traversed counterclockwise around the unit circle.
Cosine Function
Compare the graph of the cosine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the cosine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Tangent Function
Compare the graph of the tangent function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the tangent curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
F-TF.2.1: : Graph all 6 basic trigonometric functions.
Cosine Function
Compare the graph of the cosine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the cosine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Tangent Function
Compare the graph of the tangent function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the tangent curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
3.4.2: : Model periodic phenomena with trigonometric functions
F-TF.5: : Choose trigonometric functions to model periodic phenomena with specified amplitude, frequency, and midline.
Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Sound Beats and Sine Waves
Listen to and see interference patterns produced by sound waves with similar frequencies. Test your ability to distinguish and match sounds as musicians do when they tune their instruments. Calculate the number of "sound beats" you will hear based on the frequency of each sound. [Note: Headphones are recommended for this Gizmo.] 5 Minute Preview
Translating and Scaling Sine and Cosine Functions
Experiment with the graph of a sine or cosine function. Explore how changing the values in the equation can translate or scale the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
Waves
Observe and measure transverse, longitudinal, and combined waves on a model of a spring moved by a hand. Adjust the amplitude and frequency of the hand, and the tension and density of the spring. The speed and power of the waves is reported, and the wavelength and amplitude can be measured. 5 Minute Preview
G: : Geometry
G-GPE: : Expressing Geometric Properties with Equations
4.2.1: : Translate between the geometric description and the equation for a conic section
G-GPE.3.1: : Given a quadratic equation of the form ax^2 + by^2 + cx + dy + e = 0, use the method for completing the square to put the equation into standard form; identify whether the graph of the equation is a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola, and graph the equation
Circles
Compare the graph of a circle with its equation. Vary the terms in the equation and explore how the circle is translated and scaled in response. 5 Minute Preview
G-GMD: : Geometric Measurement and Dimension
4.3.1: : Visualize relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects
G-GMD.4: : Identify the shapes of two-dimensional cross-sections of three-dimensional objects, and identify three-dimensional objects generated by rotations of two-dimensional objects.
Prisms and Cylinders
Vary the height and base-edge or radius length of a prism or cylinder and examine how its three-dimensional representation changes. Determine the area of the base and the volume of the solid. Compare the volume of an oblique prism or cylinder to the volume of a right prism or cylinder. 5 Minute Preview
Pyramids and Cones
Vary the height and base-edge or radius length of a pyramid or cone and examine how its three-dimensional representation changes. Determine the area of the base and the volume of the solid. Compare the volume of a skew pyramid or cone to the volume of a right pyramid or cone. 5 Minute Preview
S: : Statistics and Probability
S-ID: : Interpreting Categorical and Quantitative Data
5.1.1: : Summarize, represent, and interpret data on a single count or measurement variable
S-ID.4: : Use the mean and standard deviation of a data set to fit it to a normal distribution and to estimate population percentages. Recognize that there are data sets for which such a procedure is not appropriate. Use calculators, spreadsheets, and tables to estimate areas under the normal curve.
Polling: City
Poll residents in a large city to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Estimate the actual percentage of yes votes in the whole city. Examine the results of many polls to help assess how reliable the results from a single poll are. See how the normal curve approximates a binomial distribution for large enough polls. 5 Minute Preview
Populations and Samples
Compare sample distributions drawn from population distributions. Predict characteristics of a population distribution based on a sample distribution and examine how well a small sample represents a given population. 5 Minute Preview
Real-Time Histogram
Try to click your mouse once every 2 seconds. The time interval between each click is recorded, as well as the error and percent error. Data can be displayed in a table, histogram, or scatter plot. Observe and measure the characteristics of the resulting distribution when large amounts of data are collected. 5 Minute Preview
Sight vs. Sound Reactions
Measure your reaction time by clicking your mouse as quickly as possible when visual or auditory stimuli are presented. The individual response times are recorded, as well as the mean and standard deviation for each test. A histogram of data shows overall trends in sight and sound response times. The type of test as well as the symbols and sounds used are chosen by the user. 5 Minute Preview
S-IC: : Making Inferences and Justifying Conclusions
5.2.1: : Understand and evaluate random processes underlying statistical experiments
S-IC.1: : Understand statistics as a process for making inferences about population parameters based on a random sample from that population.
Polling: City
Poll residents in a large city to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Estimate the actual percentage of yes votes in the whole city. Examine the results of many polls to help assess how reliable the results from a single poll are. See how the normal curve approximates a binomial distribution for large enough polls. 5 Minute Preview
Polling: Neighborhood
Conduct a phone poll of citizens in a small neighborhood to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Use the results to estimate the sentiment of the entire population. Investigate how the error of this estimate becomes smaller as more people are polled. Compare random versus non-random sampling. 5 Minute Preview
Populations and Samples
Compare sample distributions drawn from population distributions. Predict characteristics of a population distribution based on a sample distribution and examine how well a small sample represents a given population. 5 Minute Preview
S-IC.2: : Decide if a specified model is consistent with results from a given data-generating process, e.g., using simulation.
Geometric Probability
Randomly throw darts at a target and see what percent are "hits." Vary the size of the target and repeat the experiment. Study the relationship between the area of the target and the percent of darts that strike it 5 Minute Preview
Probability Simulations
Experiment with spinners and compare the experimental probability of particular outcomes to the theoretical probability. Select the number of spinners, the number of sections on a spinner, and a favorable outcome of a spin. Then tally the number of favorable outcomes. 5 Minute Preview
Theoretical and Experimental Probability
Experiment with spinners and compare the experimental probability of a particular outcome to the theoretical probability. Select the number of spinners, the number of sections on a spinner, and a favorable outcome of a spin. Then tally the number of favorable outcomes. 5 Minute Preview
5.2.2: : Make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies
S-IC.3: : Recognize the purposes of and differences among sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies; explain how randomization relates to each.
Polling: City
Poll residents in a large city to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Estimate the actual percentage of yes votes in the whole city. Examine the results of many polls to help assess how reliable the results from a single poll are. See how the normal curve approximates a binomial distribution for large enough polls. 5 Minute Preview
Polling: Neighborhood
Conduct a phone poll of citizens in a small neighborhood to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Use the results to estimate the sentiment of the entire population. Investigate how the error of this estimate becomes smaller as more people are polled. Compare random versus non-random sampling. 5 Minute Preview
S-IC.4: : Use data from a sample survey to estimate a population mean or proportion; develop a margin of error through the use of simulation models for random sampling.
Polling: City
Poll residents in a large city to determine their response to a yes-or-no question. Estimate the actual percentage of yes votes in the whole city. Examine the results of many polls to help assess how reliable the results from a single poll are. See how the normal curve approximates a binomial distribution for large enough polls. 5 Minute Preview
S-IC.5: : Use data from a randomized experiment to compare two treatments; use simulations to decide if differences between parameters are significant.
Populations and Samples
Compare sample distributions drawn from population distributions. Predict characteristics of a population distribution based on a sample distribution and examine how well a small sample represents a given population. 5 Minute Preview
S-MD: : Using Probability to Make Decisions
5.3.1: : Use probability to evaluate outcomes of decisions
S-MD.6: : Use probabilities to make fair decisions (e.g., drawing by lots, using a random number generator).
Lucky Duck (Expected Value)
Pick a duck, win a prize! Help Arnie the carnie design his game so that he makes money (or at least breaks even). How many ducks of each type should there be? What are the prizes worth? How much should he charge to play? Lucky Duck is a fun way to learn about probabilities and expected value. 5 Minute Preview
S-MD.7: : Analyze decisions and strategies using probability concepts (e.g., product testing, medical testing, pulling a hockey goalie at the end of a game).
Lucky Duck (Expected Value)
Pick a duck, win a prize! Help Arnie the carnie design his game so that he makes money (or at least breaks even). How many ducks of each type should there be? What are the prizes worth? How much should he charge to play? Lucky Duck is a fun way to learn about probabilities and expected value. 5 Minute Preview
Correlation last revised: 12/27/2023
About STEM Cases
Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap
STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
How Free Gizmos Work
Start teaching with 20-40 Free Gizmos. See the full list.
Access lesson materials for Free Gizmos including teacher guides, lesson plans, and more.
All other Gizmos are limited to a 5 Minute Preview and can only be used for 5 minutes a day.
Free Gizmos change each semester. The new collection will be available January 1 and July 1.
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