Education Technology


A Move in the Right Direction

Activity Overview

Students physically provide motion data that is collected by a CBL™ and then graph the data. They determine if they "moved in the right directions" by comparing their graph with those printed in the activity.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the motion sensor to the CBL 2through the SONIC port
  • Connect the CBL to the calculator using the unit-to-unit link cable
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 113 - 122 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Examine the provided distance versus time graph
  • Calculate the slope
  • Understand that the slope is actually the speed of the walker
  • Walk in front of the motion sensor at the pace determined from the graph
  • Observe the distance-time graph on the calculator
  • Compare the graph generated with the graph provided
  • Check whether the two graphs are similar


  • Repeat the activity with different graphs
  • Use the information on the graph to develop a walking strategy and record it
  • Start collecting data and compare calculator graphs with the ones provided
  • After the Activity

    Students complete the Questions sheet.

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary