Activity Detail
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Falling Down
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students' will determine the average speed of a falling object. They will observe whether or not changing the mass and keeping the same shape have an effect on the average speed of the object.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the CBR™ to the calculator using the link cable
  • Run the Ranger program on the calculator
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 53 - 57 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Hold the CBR at eye level pointing downward and hold one coffee filter, concave side up, about 0.5 meters below the CBR
  • Drop the filters and record their motion with the CBR™
  • Repeat the experiment for 5 coffee filters nested inside of each other
  • Observe the Distance versus Time plots for both trials
  • Calculate the speed and compare the values obtained

    		After the Activity

    		Students' will collect data, analyze the results, and answer the questions listed under the section "Looking at the Results".

    Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Science : Physics : Dynamics
    Science : Physical Science : Newton's Laws

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
     

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    CBR™/CBR 2™, TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 12 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Math and Science in Motion: Activities for Middle School.

    The following material is required for this activity:

  • Five large basket-style coffee filters


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