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
 
Cricket Thermometers
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students investigate the relationship between temperature and number of cricket chirps. They learn to find the other value of a function when given one value of a function. Students use linear regression and plot a set of ordered pairs.

Before the Activity

  • Set up the calculator for data collection using the procedure described in the attached Appendix PDF file
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 1 - 9 from the attached PDF file for your class


  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Listen to the chirping, for each temperature record the number of chirps heard in a 15-second time period
  • Enter the temperature and the chirps per minute data using lists
  • Set the X and Y extremes and create a scatter plot
  • Perform a linear regression and study its graph
  • Enter the number of chirps per minute for the unknown
  • Examine the graph and record the intersection point of the two lines
  • The X value of the point of intersection is the temperature of the habitat where the unknown cricket was chirping


    After the Activity

    Students will complete the Data Collection and Analysis page and answer questions.

    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 : 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:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 1 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Activities for Algebra with the TI-83 Plus.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Cassette player
  • Tape of crickets chirping


  • Report an issue with this activity