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Reading Graphs with a Logarithmic Scale

Summary:
Students will be able to read and interpret graphs with a logarithmic scale. Materials:

Students will need:

  • Background Information
  • Student worksheet

Worksheets:

Purchase PDF/PPT versions
Source:
Developed by Gayl Bintner with support from NCAR's High Altitude Observatory and the staff of UCAR's Education & Outreach Program.
Grade level:
 7-12
Time:
40 minutes
Student Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to interpret graphs containing a logarithmic scale.
  • Students will be able to analyze how concentration of atomic oxygen in the thermosphere changes with altitude.
Lesson format:
Graph Interpretation, Reading and Writing

National Standards Addressed:

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Have students read the introduction to logarithmic scales on the student worksheet.
  2. Have students complete the student worksheet concerning logarithmic scales and the concentration of atomic oxygen in the Earth's thermosphere.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Related websites with more background concerning logarithmic scales can be found at:

www.answers.com/topic/logarithmic-scale-2
This site gives an explanation of the logarithmic scale and numerous examples that students can encounter, such as the Richter scale, acoustics and photographic exposures.

mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/55520.html
This site gives technical and mathematical explanations of logarithmic scales and their practical uses within biological and environmental sciences.

RELATED SECTIONS OF THE WINDOWS TO THE UNIVERSE WEBSITE:

Other activities related to graphing and Earth's atmosphere:

Last modified May 20, 2005 by Randy Russell.

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