Math Activity: BRICS Part 2

The Final Challenge

You and your partner will analyze a new data set and create graphs to show the patterns that you identify.

1. Choose one of the following data sets.

1. 

   Wealth of Nations by arbyreed, creative commons licensed

   GDP (current USD) Gross domestic product (GDP) is a measure used in economics of the size of an economy. It is defined as the total value of all products manufactured and services provided within a country’s borders during a period of time (most commonly, per year).
   
   
2. Foreign Investment The amount of money invested by people outside the economy (another country).
   
   
3. High Tech Exports

   High tech products such as computers and scientific instruments produced in a country then sold to another.

4. CO2 Emissions

   

   CO2 Emissions by Ian Britton, creative commons licensed

   Every time we burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal or oil, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. We burn fossil fuels to create energy. From fuelling our cars, to growing our food, to manufacturing our MP3 players, energy is used. CO2 Emissions is the measure of how much carbon dioxide is being released.

   
   
5. Forest Area
   Land under trees is important to the environmental health of a country.
   
   
6. Energy Use
   
   
7. Energy Production
   
   
   
8. Mobile Cellular Subscriptions
   The number of people that have a cell phone plan.
   
   

2. Organize the data for the BRICS countries as well as up to 2 other countries of your choice in a spreadsheet.  Include data for every five years (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2012 if available).

3. Create at least 2 charts (graphs) using the data.

4. Embed the charts in your blog. Write a paragraph that explains your findings. Your findings should answer some of the following questions:

• What information is represented in your different charts?
• What trends did you recognize in your charts?  (increase, decrease)
• What is your prediction for the year 2020 based on the information in your chart? Explain
• Who would find your chart be helpful? Explain

Your final project will be assessed with the the rubric below: