Activity Detail
If you are using a TI-73, TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89, there may be particular math or science applications you will need to download to use certain activities. If you are using TI-Nspire technology, please update your TI-Nspire handheld operating system or computer software to view the latest activities. The latest TI-Nspire operating system was released in June 2009.
Browse by Subject Submit Activity Saved Activities Advanced Search
  


add to saved activities



print this activity
 
The Golf Ball Challenge
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students will measure the bounce heights of golf balls dropped from a height. They examine the geometric sequence in the successive bounce heights and determine the constant or common ratio and the rate of decay of the bounce.

Before the Activity

  • Install the CBL/CBR Application on the students' graphing calculators using TI Connect™ or TI-GRAPH LINK™, TI Connectivity cable and the unit-to-unit link cable
  • Connect the TI-73 to the CBR 2 unit
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 131 - 138 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Place the CBR at a certain height and drop the golf balls from beneath it
  • Record atleast 4 bounce heights on each ball
  • Examine the change in the bounce height of consecutive bounces
  • Divide a bounce height by the preceding bounce height to determine the common ratio
  • Repeat the experiment for the remaining balls
  • Identify which ball will travel the greatest distance

    		After the Activity

    		Students will fill in 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




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Sequences and Series

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-73 Explorer™

    Apps:
    TI-CBL™/CBR™ App

    Software:
    TI Connect™, TI-GRAPH LINK™

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

    Other:
    This is Activity 9 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Data Collection Activities for the Middle Grades with the TI-73, CBL™, and CBR™

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Masking tape
  • Meter or yard stick
  • 6 different golf balls


    • Report an issue with this activity