Activity Detail
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How Far Did You Walk?
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students will find the distance traveled when the velocity is constant by examining the area under the Velocity-Time graph and applying the formula d = r * t. They will also find the distance traveled for motion when the velocity is not constant by approximating the area under the Velocity-Time graph.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the calculator to the CBR 2™
  • Install the TI Connect™ software to analyze data on the computer
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 10-13 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Run the Ranger program on the calculator
  • Stand close to a wall (facing away from it) and point the CBR towards the wall
  • Start walking away from the wall at a constant rate and begin data collection
  • Study the velocity versus time graph
  • Draw a line that best approximates the velocity of motion and record the value
  • Determine the slope of the line and the acceleration
  • Compare the area of the rectangles formed by the line that approximates velocity and a vertical line at each time
  • Find the distance from the wall and the distance traveled

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the Data Collection table 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 : Linear Equations and Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    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 5 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Modeling Motion: High School Math Activities With The CBR

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Meter stick
  • Masking tape


    • Report an issue with this activity