Temperature Graphing Data

Teacher Directions for Temperature Graphing Data:

1. Start the lesson by asking students if they monitor the temperature on a daily basis–for how to dress, season changes, etc.? Have they been able to compare the temperature and even weather in certain other locations within the United States? If so, in what capacity?
2. Tell them that they will have the opportunity to gather data regarding the weather in one or more U.S. cities of their choice, use ordered pairs to plot and label points in a coordinate plane, create a line graph, and analyze the data collected. 
3. Pair the students or have them work individually.
4. Pass out student paper– manual data worksheet.
5. Hand out or have students gather a pencil and coloring supplies.
6. Review student instructions.

Student directions for manual graphing:

1. Create a table that shows the monthly temperature average in a specific city for a prior year using the National Weather Service site.
   1. Scroll down and click on a state.
   2. Select a city under the View Tab button.
   3. Make sure daily data for a month is selected.
   4. Click on the year of the data desired, month, and year.
   5. Click GO.
   6. Scroll down to get the monthly average temperature (column 3) and write the temperature in the matching monthly box/bubble.
   7. Repeat until the entire year has been documented. (Ex. Miami, FL, from January to December 2021). 
2. Step 1: Write the ordered pairs from the table. (January, 25), (February, 40)
3. Step 2: For each axis, choose appropriate numbers to represent the data in the table.
4. Step 3: Write a title for the graph and label each axis.
5. Step 4: Plot a point for each ordered pair and create a line graph.

Student directions for digital graphing:

1. Use your manual data to place the information in the spreadsheet. 
2. Watch the graph change based on your personal data.
3. Check your work.
4. When complete, use the student computers to share the digital document with the teacher through the teacher’s preferred method–email or print.
5. After completing the graph, answer the data analysis questions.

Teacher Notes: 

1. If students are unfamiliar with data input, demonstrate where to place each number correctly and monitor input on each student’s computer.
2. When students have completed the activity, have the students share the digital document with the teacher through the teacher’s preferred method–email or print.
3. Print color copies of data.
4. Display alongside the manual data and/or questions created and/or answered by the students.

Assess the completed tally line graph using the rubric.