Extrapolation is an estimation of a value based on extending a known sequence of values or facts beyond the area that is certainly known.

Interpolation is an estimation of a value within two known values in a sequence of values. Interpolation is when you use a correlation to predict a value inside your data set. ie if your data set is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and you want a value for 3. Extrapolation is to predict a value outside the data set. ie in that example, to predict 11. Interpolation and extrapolation are two concepts in mathematical modeling that a re very important for making predictions, an important science process, especial ly as students begin exploring linear models. An introduction can be done using an interactive spreadsheet. The interpolate or extrapolate worksheet allows studen ts to discover the difference between the two terms graphically with only an und erstanding of the equation of a line. The aluminum can data worksheet, which assum es students are familiar with linear regression, then explores the dangers of ex trapolation as the linear model appears to breakdown. The instructions for usage are all included on each worksheet plus additional information given via commen t cells. The Guide link is a "How to" for developing interactive Excel spreadshe ets or "Excelets." Analysis of data is a process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modelin g data with the goal of highlighting useful information, suggesting conclusions, and supporting decision making. Data analysis has multiple facets and approache s, encompassing diverse techniques under a variety of names, in different busine ss, science, and social science domains. Data analysis is the process of looking at data and determining, what the data m eans. For example if you interviewed 1000 people about a president's ability to do his job, six-hundred might say he is not doing a good job. From that data you might conclude that 60 percent of people don't think the president has the abil ity to do a good job. That is a simple example of data analysis. A data analysis is a comprehensive summary of the results of your research and l ists the main conclusions drawn from your tests and experiments. The analysis ty pically summarizes two main parts of a research document: data preparation and d escriptive statistics (experimental studies) and inferential statistics (quantit ative studies). The final section is the qualitative analysis that explains why some types of results are relevant.

Experimental Studies Step 1Define your tests and testing process. Explain all of the tests you performed, and why you performed them. Step 2Outline your method for gathering results. Explain how you gathered the data an d what measures you took to make sure these were objective and accurate. Step 3Create graphs and charts. Present the results of your tests with a pie chart, s catter graph or other visual aid to illustrate results. Step

4Draw conclusions and make comparisons. Explain what the results mean, why they are important and how they compare to previous studies or similar experiments. Step 5List sources. List any sources you have used within the document at the end of this section. Quantitative Studies Step 1Describe your sample set. Explain to the reader what the sample set for your st udy consisted of and why you selected this as your 'ideal' for the experiment. Step 2Define the objective of the study. Explain what you want the reader to learn or understand from the study and why this is significant. Step 3Explain the results. Write a few paragraphs that explain the data and results i n more detail. This should help the reader see important trends, comparisons and differences. Step 4Confirm or unconfirm the hypothesis. Restate the hypothesis and explain whether the results of your study support it. Step 5Finish with the qualitative analysis. This section is a written summary (no gra phs or tables permitted) of your results, and is your opportunity to draw final conclusions and make final comments about your study. This section can be up to a 1 to 2 pages long and can be organized with headings and subheadings. This sec tion will also include reasons why results are relevant.