Activity Detail

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	Bouncing Ball

Activity Overview

In this experiment, students collect the height versus time data of a bouncing ball using the CBR 2™. This activity investigates the values of height, time, and the coefficient A in the quadratic equation, Y = A(X - H)² + K, which describes the behavior of a bouncing ball. They graph scatter plots, graph and interpret a quadratic function, apply the vertex form of a quadratic equation, and calculate the maximum value of a parabola.

Before the Activity

Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application

See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity

Print pages 105 - 116 from the attached PDF file for the class

Set up the calculator and CBR 2™ for data collection

Activity Downloads:

During the Activity

Distribute the pages to the class.

Follow the Activity procedures:

Drop a ball from a position 15 centimeters below a CBR 2 and collect data of it bouncing

Plot the distance versus time data

Analyze the data in one of three ways

A. Analyze data from within App:

Select region to be analyzed (parabola)

Find the regression equation for the quadratic fit

B. Exit the App and let calculator identify a regression equation:

Plot the time versus distance data on the calculator

Select a region and identify the data points from the region and store as lists

Plot the data points (parabola) and find a regression equation for it

C. Observing vertex form of parabola and it relationship with a quadratic equation:

Use parabola plotted earlier with stored coordinates

Store the coordinates from the vertex in the standard variables

Enter equation A( X - H )² + K, graph the equation, and explore different values of A

Find value of A that best fits the parabola

Since the ball is dropped, the value of A is negative and is found to be one-half the acceleration due to gravity

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 : Kinematics
Math : Algebra I : Quadratic 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:
CBR™/CBR 2™, TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

Other:
This is Activity 12 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
EasyData Activities: Modeling Algebraic Functions with Data Collection Activities.

The following materials are required for this activity:

Bouncing ball

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