Education Technology

How Far Did You Walk?

Subject Area
Math: Algebra I: Linear Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
60 Minutes
Software
TI Connect™
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Accessories
CBR™ 2 motion sensor
Other Materials
    This is Activity 5 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Modeling Motion: High School Math Activities With The CBR

    The following materials are required for this activity:
  • Meter stick
  • Masking tape
Resource Types
Lessons

How Far Did You Walk?

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will find the distance traveled when the velocity is constant by examining the area under the Velocity-Time graph and applying the formula d = r * t. They will also find the distance traveled for motion when the velocity is not constant by approximating the area under the Velocity-Time graph.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the calculator to the CBR 2™
  • Install the TI Connect™ software to analyze data on the computer
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 10-13 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Run the Ranger program on the calculator
  • Stand close to a wall (facing away from it) and point the CBR towards the wall
  • Start walking away from the wall at a constant rate and begin data collection
  • Study the velocity versus time graph
  • Draw a line that best approximates the velocity of motion and record the value
  • Determine the slope of the line and the acceleration
  • Compare the area of the rectangles formed by the line that approximates velocity and a vertical line at each time
  • Find the distance from the wall and the distance traveled
  • After the Activity

    Students will complete the Data Collection table and answer questions listed in it.

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
  • Subject Area
    Math: Algebra I: Linear Functions
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    60 Minutes
    Software
    TI Connect™
    TI Calculator
    TI-84 series
    Accessories
    CBR™ 2 motion sensor
    Other Materials
      This is Activity 5 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
      Modeling Motion: High School Math Activities With The CBR

      The following materials are required for this activity:
    • Meter stick
    • Masking tape
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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