Summary To put the meaning of slope into perspective, students could take measurements on a hill at the school campus or near by. Then do slope claculations. Have students write out their plan on how to calculate the slope of the hill. There are numerous methods. Guide them to one that is correct.
Student Follow Up Research the following slopes.
Team brainstorms a hypothesis to the assigned question. The time limits for such an activity is highly variable based on the level of detail you wish or their knowledge base. Teams could rough out their thoughts on scrap paper and report their polished thoughts in wall chart form on large paper. Later they should verbalize and defend their thoughts. As teachers we will accept any proposed reason that does not contradict taught and known facts.