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**WEATHER INQUIRY ACTIVITY: Teacher Resource Version**

//The following activity is based on the project-based inquiry model in the new learning ecology of the 1:1 classroom as well as a consideration for the role of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) engagement. Although the following steps are linear in progression, the conceptualization of true inquiry calls for dynamic movement between and within elements of the processes. [5 min]//



**Consider Ideas & Pose Questions [5 min]**


 * I.** Problem Statement: You are the president of a local Pharmaceutical company based in Raleigh, North Carolina and are looking to expand your operations by opening a factory in a new location. The manufacturing of your primary drug is temperature-sensitive. You know this process works well in a lightly-insulated building in Raleigh. For a few minutes, brainstorm the following question in your group: What are some characteristics you might want to consider in choosing your new location?


 * Gather & Analyze Information [20 min]**


 * II** . Look at the list of worldwide cities on the Excel city database [|LAT LONG Cities.xls]. Based on the variables provided, decide which are important to consider and why. Then select three cities you might consider for the location of your new factory. Use the data and analyses of that data to prepare a preliminary report to present to the Board of Directors to support your selection.


 * III** . To gather additional information on your selected cities, locate them using media type="custom" key="4074101" software. How does this information supplement your preliminary report? Include relevant information from this search in your presentation.


 * Creatively Synthesize Information [10 min]**


 * IV.** Using data gathered from Excel (e.g. computations, graphical representations, etc.) and Google Earth (geographical information, environmental features, etc.) develop a presentation to present to the Board.


 * Critically Evaluate & Revise [15 min]**


 * V** . How else could we look at this data? How could we describe this more quantitatively?


 * VI** . A mathematical model of the average monthly temperature as a function of month for each of our cities could be created. For example, consider the temperature data for Raleigh. Open the FathomFile, RaleighTemperature.ftm [[file:RaleighTemperature.ftm]] . Observe the scatter-plot of temperature versus month and notice its similarity to a sine curve.

A sine function has been plotted that is of the form: Temperature = a*sin (b*month+c) +d where a, b, c, and d are parameters that can be varied using sliders. Recall that ‘a’ represents the amplitude of the function, ‘b’ represents the frequency, ‘c’ represents the horizontal shift and 'd' represents the vertical shift. Frequency is often defined in terms of period, where period = 2π/b so b = 2π/period. Change the values of the parameters a, b, c, and d by adjusting the sliders. Continue to do so until you have created a graph that appears to be an appropriate model of the data.


 * Share, Publish, & Act [20 min]**


 * VII** . Share your results with the larger group. Some innovative technology suggestions for ways in which to share your results can be found at: Creative Presentation Tools