Teacher's Guide: Mathematics Lesson Plan for the Best Fit Line or Curve

Learning Goals
1. Students should be able to identify functions and be able to graph them as well.
2. Students must understand the concept of slope and apply it to real-life problems.
3. Students will be able to apply their knowledge of the given formulas (slope-intercept, point-slope) and be able to effectively use them at the right time depending on what data is presented to them.
4. Students will be able to give reasonable estimates when dealing with correlation of data and be able to find a line of best fit for that set of data.

KY Core Content
• MA-HS-5.1.5 Students will determine if a relation is a function.
- Aligns almost exactly with learning goal 1.
• MA-HS-5.1.3 Students will demonstrate how equations and graphs are models of the relationship between two real-world quantities (e.g., the relationship between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit).
- When dealing with the correlation of data and drawing a line of best fit, it helps students understand the relationship the pieces of data have with each other.
• MA-HS-5.1.1 Students will identify multiple representations (tables, graphs, equations) of functions (linear, quadratic, absolute value, exponential) in real-world or mathematical problems.
- Students will be required to apply the slope-intercept form in real-life situations (Ex. Given in book deals with how to safely adjust a ladder).
• MA-HS-1.2.1 Students will estimate solutions to problems with real numbers (including very large and very small quantities) in both real-world and mathematical problems, and use the estimations to check for reasonable computational results.
- Students need to be able to estimate the line of best fit.

Prerequisite Knowledge
The line or curve of best fit is only of the earlier topics taught in Algebra I, so there is not a whole lot of prerequisite knowledge from Algebra I that the students need to recall. They should have some familiarity already on how to solve some of the basic linear equations. Also, students should be familiar with how to plot a number on the number line (both pos. and negative numbers).
Bloom's Taxonomy
-Knowledge: Students must be able to recall information learned previously in Pre-Algebra and Algebra to effectively understand the unit on lines of best fit (described in prerequisite knowledge).
-Comprehension: In math, more than any other subject, comprehension is vital in order to continue to effectively advance in the content area. Students are required to understand concepts by trying to figure out when to use certain formulas. Anyone can just memorize a formula and use it whenever told to do so, but in this unit the students must comprehend the data given and figure out how to use it to make a graph.
-Application: Students must apply knowledge in real-life applications.
-Analysis and Evaluation: Students must be able to make reasonable estimates after the data is presented to them.