Integrals Lesson: Analyzing NYC Climate Goals

Students analyze a logistic model of New York City greenhouse gas emissions using definite integrals to quantify accumulation over time. Students apply integrals to find the area between curves, compare NYC’s trajectory to three policy benchmarks, and write a report evaluating whether the city is doing enough to meet its climate goals. 

Inquire: Students examine a graph from the NYC Comptroller’s website to generate questions about whether NYC is doing enough to meet its climate goals.

Investigate: Students evaluate a regression model of NYC’s greenhouse gas emissions, set up and calculate definite integrals of the model to find cumulative totals, and interpret their findings.

Inspire: Students use areas between curves to assess NYC’s climate progress against multiple benchmarks and interpret what this means for meeting its climate goals.