Education Technology

Bouncing Ball

Subject Area
Science: Physical Science: Newton's Laws
Science: Physics: Dynamics
Level
6-8
Activity Time
60 Minutes
Software
TI Connect™
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Accessories
CBR™ 2 motion sensor
Other Materials
    This is Activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book: Math and Science in Motion: Activities for Middle School.

    The following materials are required for this activity:
  • A variety of balls
Resource Types
Lessons

Bouncing Ball

Activity Overview

In this activity, students' will create a Height-Time plot for a bouncing ball. They will examine how the ball's height changes mathematically from one bounce to the next.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the CBR™ to the calculator using the link cable
  • Run the Ranger program on the calculator
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 33 - 37 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Position the CBR at shoulder-height and hold the ball 0.5 meters below it
  • Release the ball and observe the height versus time graph on the calculator screen
  • Record four complete bounce heights
  • Calculate bounce ratio as a percent
  • Compare rebound percent for different starting heights
  • Repeat the activity with other types of balls
  • After the Activity

    Students' will collect data and analyze the results.

    Review student results

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
  • Subject Area
    Science: Physical Science: Newton's Laws
    Science: Physics: Dynamics
    Level
    6-8
    Activity Time
    60 Minutes
    Software
    TI Connect™
    TI Calculator
    TI-84 series
    Accessories
    CBR™ 2 motion sensor
    Other Materials
      This is Activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book: Math and Science in Motion: Activities for Middle School.

      The following materials are required for this activity:
    • A variety of balls
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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