Activity Detail
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What Goes Up: Position and Time for a Cart on a Ramp
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students' will use a motion detector to measure how the position of a cart on a ramp changes with time. They will then determine a parabolic model for the position data using the intercepts.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the motion detector to the DIG/SONIC port on the CBL 2™ or the DIG/SONIC 1 port of theVernier LabPro®
  • Connect the CBL 2 or LabPro to the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit cable
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 91 - 98 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Place the motion detector on top of an inclined board
  • Roll the cart up the ramp so the cart does not get close to the detector
  • Record data and examine the distance versus time graph
  • Trace the parabola and record the intercepts in the Data sheet
  • Determine the equation for the parabola
  • Perform a quadratic regression and determine the regression line equation and its parameters

    		After the Activity

    		Students' will complete the Data Collection and Analysis Sheet and answer questions listed in it.

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

    		Other Downloads




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    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Quadratic Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-73 Explorer™, TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    DataMate, EasyData™

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    CBL™/CBL 2™, CBR™/CBR 2™, Sensor - Motion Detector, TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables, Vernier LabPro®

    Other:
    This is Activity 10 from the EXPLORATIONS Book: Real-World Math Made Easy.

    The following materials are required for this activity :

  • 4 wheeled cart
  • Board
  • Books to support ramp


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