Analyzing & Interpreting Data Activity #2: Old Faithful Eruptions
Background: Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone Park erupts somewhat predictably. The pattern of eruptions can be determined by investigating the relationship between the duration of eruptions and the interval (time between eruptions).
Learners can use websites that provide information regarding eruption periods of Old Faithful. Be sure to find information on both the interval and the duration of eruptions. Create a scatter plot to analyze the data. Discuss how to interpret the data and then use the data to predict future eruptions.
Some possible web resources:
If current data is not accessible, use this Old Faithful Geyser Data Sheet (PDF format) from 1999.