Activity Detail
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Two Hot, Two Cold
 


Activity Overview

Students collect both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature data for several water samples of varying temperatures. They use the data to find a conversion equation that will calculate the Fahrenheit temperature for any given Celsius temperature. Students learn to graph scatter plots, analyze and graph linear equations, compute and model slope, and derive and apply a conversion equation.

Before the Activity

  • Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 81 - 92 from the attached PDF file for the class
  • Connect Vernier EasyLink™ interface to the calculator and temperature probes
  • Link two EasyTemp probes to two different TI-84 Plus calculators
  • One calculator is set to measure temperature in Celsius and the other calculator in Fahrenheit

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Have students work in groups
  • Position the two probes next to each other in a cup
  • Measure and record the temperature of five cups of water (varying in temperature from ice cold to boiling hot) and air temperature, in both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales
  • Enter data as lists
  • Link the two calculators and exchange temperature data
  • Make a scatter plot of temperatures in degree Celsius versus temperatures in degree Fahrenheit
  • Use the calculator to find the slope and draw a line to match the slope
  • Observe that this line is below the data points, adjust the line and find the y-intercept
  • Determine the mathematical formula that links the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales
  • Use the equation to find the Fahrenheit values for a set of Celsius temperature values
  • Use the calculator to obtain a linear regression
  • Compare the values obtained using your equation, formula, and the calculator's regression equation

    		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:
    Math : Algebra I : Linear Equations and Functions
    Science : Physical Science : Heat Transfer
    Science : Physical Science : Energy

    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 - Temperature, TI Connectivity Cable, Vernier EasyLink®, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 10 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    EasyData Activities: Modeling Algebraic Functions with Data Collection Activities.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • 2 Vernier EasyTemp™ Probes or
  • 2 Vernier EasyLinks™ with temperature probes
  • Several cups of water with varying temperatures
  • Ice and boiling water


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