Education Technology


Collecting Ball Bounce Data

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