Education Technology

Sequence of Bounces

Subject Area
Math: Algebra I: Exponential 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 12 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Modeling Motion: High School Math Activities With The CBR

    The following materials are required for this activity:
  • A racquet ball
Resource Types
Lessons

Sequence of Bounces

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will explore the rebound heights of a ball and develop a sequence that will predict the rebound height of subsequent bounces. They will also find the total distance that the ball travels.

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 61 - 66 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
  • Release the ball beneath the CBR and sketch a plot of the Distance versus Time data
  • Record the height for 5 bounces and use lists to create a scatter plot
  • Model the heights of each bounce in terms of a geometric sequence, and graph the resulting equation
  • Write an exponential function that fits the given data, and graph it
  • Calculate the sum of the total distance traveled by the ball for the first five bounces
  • After the Activity

    Students will complete the Data sheet 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: Exponential 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 12 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
      Modeling Motion: High School Math Activities With The CBR

      The following materials are required for this activity:
    • A racquet ball
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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