Activity Overview
Many aspects relating to the motion of a bouncing ball can be modelled mathematically. The first stage in modelling the motion is to collect some data. The Calculator Base Laboratory or CBR™ is a motion detector that can be connected to a TI-83(plus) calculator. The position, velocity and acceleration at any time are recorded in the calculator's Stat. List editor. The data can be used to draw graphs of the ball's motion.
Before the Activity
Students should have access to the TI-83 family of calculators and be provided a copy of the attached document.
During the Activity
Students will learn how to model motion with a bouncing ball.
After the Activity
Review student answers:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary