Graphing the Results of the Model

 

Purpose:

To examine the results of the model graphically
 

Materials:

BodyComp Model
Graph Paper
 

Procedure:

Make a graph for a systematic examination of the BodyComp model using your own data.  Record the data in a suitable table.

Example:  Start with the amount of energy you determined that you normally intake each day and the amount of energy that you determined that you normally expend each day.
Run the model.
Note your projected weight at the end of six months.
Change the input of energy upwards by 100 Calories per day for six increments.  In each case note your projected weight at the end of six months.
Return to your normal input of energy and change the input of energy downwards by 100 Calories each day.  In each case note your projected weight at the end of six months.
Make a graph of the weight at the end of six months versus the amount of energy input.
 
Input of Energy (Calories /day) Weight at the end of Six Months

You may design your own experiment to graph.
 

Discuss:


What is the shape of the resulting graph?  Does it show direct proportionality, inverse relationship, exponential, etc.?
Could you write an equation for the graph?
Pick a point within the domain of the Energy Intake values, but not one of the points actually graphed.  What would be the expected weight in six months?  What do you call this process of estimation?
Pick a point beyond the domain of the Energy Intake values, and not one of the points actually graphed.  What would be the expected weight in six months?  What do you call this process of estimation?
 

Conclusion:


Did the results turn out as you would have expected?  If so, what reasons did you have for expecting these results?  If not, how were they different from what you expected?