Activity Detail
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That's a Stretch
 


Activity Overview

Students determine the relationship between the stretch of a spring and the number of weights in a cup suspended from the spring. They find the Y-value of a function if the X-value is provided. They use technology to plot a set of ordered pairs and to find a best fit line.

Before the Activity

  • Place the slinky on the center of a meter stick at a certain height above the floor, and hang the cup on the slinky
  • 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 123 - 134 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
  • Measure and record the distance from the cup to the floor
  • Add 5 marbles (or any small object) to the cup and measure and record the distance from the cup to the floor
  • Continue adding marbles in increments of five and record data
  • Enter the number of objects and the distance as a list
  • Set up a scatter plot and find the equation for the number of objects versus the length of the slinky
  • Find the y-intercept, and determine the slope
  • Find a best fit line, graph it, and record its slope
  • Compare the stretch for different objects
  • Determine the stretch for a given number of the same objects, and the number of objects given the stretch

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the Data Collection and Analysis page and answer questions listed on 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-73 Explorer™, TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 10 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Activities for Algebra with the TI-83 Plus.
    This is Activity 10 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Activities for Algebra with the TI-73
    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Slinky
  • Paper cups or film containers
  • Marbles, pennies, and other small objects
  • Paper clips
  • Meter stick


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