WolframAlpha: Comparing Authentic Data

1. Write "New York City" and "Los Angeles" on the board. Ask students to share what they know about each city (e.g., size, weather, lifestyle).
2. 
   Write a few student responses on the board.
3. 
   Briefly review how to form comparatives, highlighting rules like "-er" for short adjectives (e.g., smaller, bigger) and "more" for longer adjectives (e.g., more expensive).

1. Show students how to access WolframAlpha and input a search like "New York City vs. Los Angeles."
2. 
   Explain that WolframAlpha provides detailed information on topics such as population, weather, and cost of living.
3. 
   Demonstrate one example comparison using data from the site.

1. Model how to create comparison sentences using information from WolframAlpha.
2. Look up key statistics (e.g., population, weather, cost of living) and write them on the board.
3. Write model sentences like "New York City has a larger population than Los Angeles" and "Los Angeles is warmer than New York City."
4. Pair students and ask them to come up with 2-3 comparison sentences based on other data they find.

Students practice using comparatives with the data they find.

1. Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students each).
2. Each group uses WolframAlpha to find information about New York City and Los Angeles.
3. Groups write 5 comparison sentences using the data (e.g., “The cost of living in New York City is higher than in Los Angeles”).

Each group shares one sentence with the class, focusing on correct use of comparatives.

Distribute or display the following questions for students to answer individually:

Which city has a higher population?

1. How does the difference in population affect life in each city?
2. Compare the average temperatures in New York City and Los Angeles.
3. Which city would you prefer to live in based on the climate? Why?
4. How does the cost of living differ between the two cities? Which city is more expensive, and how might that impact residents?
5. Compare the land area of New York City and Los Angeles. Which city is larger, and what might that mean for transportation and lifestyle?
6. Discuss one other comparison between the two cities that you found interesting. Explain the difference and why you chose it.

Pair up students. Have student compare other things with the search engine.  Perhaps they can compare two cities where  each come from.