Comparing Linear, Quadratic, Exponential Regressions w/Spreadsheets

This project incorporates spreadsheets with scatter plots and lines of best fit. It asked students to perform various regressions, such as linear, power, exponential, and logarithmic, The students are asked to generate an model to help park rangers determine the weight of black bears by using only one of three measures, neck girth, length, and chest girth. Calculating the bears weights allow the rangers to anesthetize them in order for them to care for the bears. The r values in this project suggest that one model is best but if students also examine the graph they will find that the model with the highest r value does not in fact fit the points the best because it suggest that the measurement could be infinite. This is a great group project, especially if using Google Docs spreadsheets to collaboratively work on the project. After the spreadsheets and regressions, students are asked to complete a written lab report modeled after the traditional high school science template.