Pre-AP Biology & Environmental Science 2019-2020

Analyzing CFC & HFC Emissions Over Time

Objectives
• To organize raw data by using charts and graphs
• To analyze the charts and graphs to see trends in the data, and extend the trends
into the future
• To examine the data critically and draw valid conclusions which can be justified

Engage
You have been assigned a position in a research institution dealing with global issues. A
research scientist has just published "raw data." Within a week a major international
conference on this material will be held and you need to analyze the data. The data
need to be presented and organized in a meaningful and useful way.

Explore/Explain
Materials: (for each team of students)
• raw data (see below)
• pencil
• graph paper
• ruler

Procedure:
1. Discuss where data come from, types of graphs available, what a trend is, and
how to project a trend. (Class discussion)
2. Work in small teams to analyse the data sets. This activity is a collaborative,
group activity.
3. Simulate the role of a research scientist - an 'expert'.
4. Using the data below, plot an appropriate selection of the values for CFC-12 and
for HFC’s, and make the curve for each of the graphs. When selecting the scales
for each axis, remember to leave space on the graph for plotting a future trend of
50 years.
5. Upon completion of the two graphs, continue the trend of the curve for another
50 years.
6. Analyse and develop a conclusion for each graph. Write this on a separate piece
of paper which can be attached under the graph.
7. Collect the two graphs and analyses together into one display.
8. Elect spokespeople to report the interpretation of each graph, including:
a) consensus view
b) a minority view
9. Discuss the role of data analysis in scientific research. How do choices in
displaying data affect communication?