Activity Overview
In this activity, students learn to build a model for the total distance required to stop a moving vehicle.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 59 - 63 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Enter speed, perception-reaction distance, braking distance, and total stopping distance data as lists
Graph speed versus perception-reaction distance
Determine the type of equation that will model the graphed data
Enter speed and reaction data and use linear regression function to obtain a regression equation
Graph the regression equation and find the slope and y-intercept
Observe that the equation fits the data
Graph speed versus braking distance data
Determine the type of equation that will model the graphed data
Write the mathematical statement of the relationship between braking distance and velocity
Enter data and use quadratic regression to calculate the regression equation
Find the values of b and c in the regression equation according to the relationship equation
Write an equation for the braking distance and observe that the equation fits the graphed data
Graph total distance (braking distance + reaction distance) versus speed data
Determine the type of equation that will model the graphed data
Find the equation for total stopping distance using previous equations of perception-reaction distance and braking distance
Compare equations and see how well the equation for total distance fits the data
Use the model to predict the stopping distance of a car traveling at a given speed and also the speed of a car whose stopping distance is a specified value
After the Activity
Students complete the Student Activity sheet.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary