Applications of Linear Functions: Cricket Chirps

Description

Crickets are known for their chirping sounds. But did you know that the number of times a cricket chirps per minute is an indicator of the outside temperature? In fact, the relationship between cricket chirps and the outside temperature can be modeled by a linear function. In this module, students will explore the function that can be used to determine the outside temperature based on the number of times a cricket chirps per minute.

First, students watch a video that describes the chirp-temperature phenomenon. Students are then walked through the process of developing the linear model. They look at inputs and outputs, determine the dependent and independent variables, and explore the linear function with a graphing calculator activity.

Math Concepts

  • Functions
  • Problem Solving

Learning Objectives

  • Build a linear function model
  • Test a function model
  • Graph a linear function

Prerequisite Skills

  • Basic understanding of a linear function in slope-intercept form
Common Core Standards CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.A.3, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.A.1
Lesson Duration 20 mins
Grade Range 6th - 8th Grade

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