Demonstrate the following steps in fitting a model to data relative to a phenomenon.

• Formulate the key problem or question. (Understand the problem.)
• Communicate your preconceptions.
• Discuss the limitations, assumptions, and scope of your investigation.
• Collect and organize data.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Choose and fit an appropriate model by varying parameters and testing goodness of fit by an identified numberical criterion (sum of errors, average error, percent error).
• Summarize and report findings. (Reflect, describe, formulate, evaluate, support, generalize, and suggest.)

Demonstrate the following steps in solving a real world problem.

• Understand the problem.
• Identify the important features.
• Make assumptions and simplifications.
• Define variables.
• Use sub-models.
• Establish relationships between variables.
• Solve.
• Interpret, validate, and critique the model.
• Make improvements.
• Explain the outcome.
• Prepare a report.

Here are some actions to avoid in the model development phases of exercises.  However, these actions may be employed in the evaluation or critique of your models if you give reference credit to the device, software, or source:

• The use of a calculator’s or software application’s pre-programmed curve fitting procedures.
• Copying a formula or rule from a reference source..

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