Collecting the data You will be playing a game that involves flicking a nickel across a table, using your thumb and forefinger. The goal is to come as close as possible to a line marked on the table, about three feet from the edge, at which the nickel will be flicked. After each flick, the distance from the edge of the nickel to the goal line is to be measured to the closest centimeter.

If the nickel has not crossed the line, the distance from the line is recorded as a negative number. If the nickel has crossed the line, the distance is recorded as a positive number. (The class should agree on a rule for handling shots that go off the table.) Wark in groups of at least two students each to facilitate the measurement process.

Each person flicks the nickel at least 25 times in succession. Record the distance between the nickel and the goal line each time, making sure to keep the data in correct time order.