Education Technology

Velocity and the Bouncing Ball

Subject Area
Math: Algebra I: Quadratic Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
60 Minutes
Software
TI Connect™
TI Calculator
TI-83 Plus Family
TI-84 series
Accessories
CBR 2™ motion sensor
Other Materials
    This is Activity 10 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

Velocity and the Bouncing Ball

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will explore the position of the ball versus time for a single bounce. They will also examine the relationship between the height of the ball and its 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 51 - 55 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 begin data collection
  • Ensure that your graph has a minimum of five bounces
  • Select one bounce to analyze
  • Use data from a single bounce to sketch graphs of distance versus time and velocity versus time
  • Record the right and left bounds and find the best quadratic and linear function that fits the data
  • 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: Quadratic Functions
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    60 Minutes
    Software
    TI Connect™
    TI Calculator
    TI-83 Plus Family
    TI-84 series
    Accessories
    CBR 2™ motion sensor
    Other Materials
      This is Activity 10 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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