Activity Overview
In this activity, students' use a Dual Range Force Sensor to measure the weight of pennies. They understand the difference between mass and weight. Students also determine the difference in weight of an object on the moon, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter.
Before the Activity
Connect the TI-73 to the CBL™ unit
Connect the Dual Force Sensor in channel 1 of the CBL 2 and download DataMate™ program
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 187-194 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Complete the Hypothesis section on the Data Collection and Analysis page and predict where one can lift the most pennies
Follow the Activity procedures:
Make a scale with the help of a styrofoam cup and string, and attach the Dual force sensor to it
Take the force reading of an empty styrofoam cup
Add 10 pennies to the styrofoam cup scale and take force reading in Newtons
Add batches of 10 pennies and measure the force for each batch
Take a final force reading for 100 pennies
Graph data and determine a linear equation that fits the data
Use the gravity conversion factor and calculate how much the pennies weigh on the moon, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter
After the Activity
Students' will complete Student Data Collection and Analysis Sheet.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary