Education Technology

Walk This 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 3 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

Walk This Walk

Activity Overview

In this activity, students use a motion detector to create Distance versus Time graphs. They experiment with various Distance-Time graphs and write mathematical descriptions of motion with constant velocity.

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 11 - 15 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
  • Walk back and forth in front of the motion detector and begin collecting data
  • Observe the graph of distance versus time on the calculator screen
  • Write the equation of the line in slope-intercept form and check whether it matches the collected data
  • Find the y-intercept to determine the starting position of the walker
  • Calculate the slope of the line and determine the velocity
  • Identify the motion which creates a given graph
  • 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 3 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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