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
 
Add Them Up
 


Activity Overview

Students explore the total voltage provided by several batteries in a series to a battery-operated device. They graph scatter plots, understand multiplication as repeated addition, and use a pattern to develop a formula. They learn how to develop a formula from a pattern of increasing voltage and graph increase in voltage in the form of a scatter plot.

Before the Activity

  • Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 70 - 80 from the attached PDF file for the class
  • Connect Vernier EasyLink™ interface to the calculator and voltage sensor
  • Set up the calculator for data collection

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Place one battery in a battery holder or on a ruler
  • Touch and hold the appropriate voltage leads to the appropriate terminal
  • Measure and record voltage for one battery
  • Repeat using two, three, four, and five batteries connected in series
  • Record voltage readings for each set
  • Plot voltage versus number of batteries
  • Use the calculator to find the line of best fit and the linear regression equation
  • Perform a linear regression manually, to fit the data with a function rule
  • Compare the lines and find the slope for each line
  • Compare the formula developed using reasoning and number skill with the linear regression line

    		After the Activity

  • Students analyze the results and answer the case analysis questions on the student worksheet.
  • 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:
    Science : Physics : Electricity and Magnetism
    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:
    EasyData™

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    Sensor - Voltage, TI Connectivity Cable, Vernier EasyLink®, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 9 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    EasyData Activities: Modeling Algebraic Functions with Data Collection Activities.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • 5 batteries of same size and 1.5 volts
  • Battery holder or ruler


    • Report an issue with this activity