A collection of datasets to get students started with fitting linear and non-linear models

DC Note: If you need more background info about the difference between regression lines and line graphs, check out this blog post here.

Simple mathematical models can be used to take a value of one variable, X, and predict the value of another variable, Y. Regression models can be used to help students see how the equations that they learn in physics or chemistry classes look in the real world with actual empirical data. It can really be eye opening for students to see how many relationships out there in the real world are simple or clean enough to be modeled with just a handful of different kinds of regression models.

Regression lines will appear as an option (look to the right of your graph) in DataClassroom anytime that you make a graph with a numeric X and a numeric Y variable. Linear regression will appear first, but the other options can be seen in the drop down menu.

If you are looking for datasets to open your students’ eyes to how regression lines relate to the formulas and rules that explain the world around them, check out our collection below to get you started. These datasets will be particularly useful in the context of Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physical Science.