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Nelson Education > School > Mathematics K-8 > Math Focus > Grade 7 > Parent Centre > Web Quests > Chapter 8
 

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Chapter 8: Statistics

Roller Coaster Thrills

INTRODUCTION

Roller coasters have been thrilling dare devils for ages. People are fascinated by the height, length, and speed at which roller coasters travel. There are people who travel the world just to experience the thrill of a new roller coaster. Let’s go explore the wonderful world of roller coasters!

 

THE TASK

You are a writer from Thrill Seeker Digest. You must find the best roller coaster. In order to make an accurate judgment, you must research the top five roller coasters to see which roller coaster would give the best ride based on height, length, and maximum speed. Once you are done your research, you will write a paragraph explaining your findings and stating which roller coaster you think is the best. You may be asked to present your findings to the class.

 

THE PROCESS

  1. Use the web to find out the actual heights, lengths, and speeds of these five roller coasters: Montu, Superman, Scream, Raging Bull, and Mr. Freeze.

  2. Complete the Roller Coaster Statistics Worksheet by entering in the height, length and maximum speed of each roller coaster. Make sure all of your data are in metric units. For example, use metres for height and length, and kilometers per hour (km/h) for maximum speed. You may use an online speed converter and an online length converter to help you. Then calculate the mean, median, mode, and range for the height, length, and speed of all five roller coasters. Record your results on the worksheet to help you with your presentation.

  3. Use what you know to choose a winner for the best roller coaster for Thrill Seeker Digest. Write a paragraph to explain your choice, making reference to your data. Be prepared to present your findings to the class.

RESOURCES

Websites:

Montu
Superman

Scream

Raging Bull

Mr. Freeze

Files:

Roller Coaster Statistics Worksheet

Materials:

Paper, pencil, and calculator

 

ASSESSMENT

  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Understanding Concepts (mean, median, mode and range) I have limited understanding of mean, median, mode and range. There are several significant errors in my calculations. I have some understanding of mean, median, mode and range, but There are some errors in my calculations. I have a good understanding of mean, median, mode and range. There are one or two minor errors in my calculations of each. I have an excellent understanding of mean, median, mode and range. There are no errors in my calculations.
Communication (paragraph) My paragraph has no clear conclusions. I did not make specific references to the data presented. My paragraph has a conclusion, but does not make specific references to the data presented. My paragraph states a clear conclusion, and makes some specific references to the data presented. My paragraph states a clear and convincing conclusion, and uses the data presented to support the conclusion.

 

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