interpreting data
****I attached the file with the graphs.
INTERPRETING DATA AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Correlation is a linear relationship or association between two or more things, for example, there
is a positive correlation between height and shoe size – shorter people usually have a smaller
shoe size and taller people usually have a larger shoe size.
1. [5 points] Using the graphs shown above, create labels for the x-axis and y-axis that would
show a real-life example of a positive and negative correlation. Be creative but keep it
appropriate!
2. [5 points] Correlation does not equal causation is a common phrase in science. What does
this mean?
3. [5 points] Using the data on water withdrawal in the U.S (next page), create a testable
hypothesis to explain the trends in water withdrawal. This scenario does not have to be true it
has to be testable (able to be supported with further research or experiments). Keep them
appropriate. Data source: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-
school/science/total-water-use-united-states?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-
science_center_objects
4. [5 points] There are two trees, Tree A and Tree B, that grow under very specific temperature
conditions. Design an experiment that tests for what temperature ranges Tree A and Tree B
grow best.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ECONOMIES
5. [5 points] What are the four ways we can measure the wealth of nations? What are the
problems with only using GNP and GDP to measure national wealth?
6. [5 points] Explain why understanding the impact human activity has on the environment is
important to determining economic policies?
EARTH AND ITS RESOURCES
7. [10 points] Most plastics are considered organic compounds (made of combinations of
carbon with hydrogen and oxygen). What happens to plastics that are in landfills, dumps, or
in the ocean? (In other words: How long does it take them to decompose?) Using this
information and the Law of Conservation of Matter, what is happening to the carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen used in plastics? Why might this be a problem?
8. [10 points] Many nutrient cycles go through all four spheres that we have discussed: the
biosphere, geosphere/lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Choose a nutrient cycle
(sulfur, carbon, nitrogen, or phosphorus), and discuss how the nutrient moves through the
different spheres.