Activity Overview
Students practice with the parameters of the vertex form of the parabola and their effect on the shape of the curve. They use this concept to find a quadratic model. They also use translation and dilation to change the general parabola.
Before the Activity
Set up the Transformation Graphing Application and the CBL™/CBR™ Application on the calculator using the TI Connect™ software Connect the CBR 2™ to the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit link cable Run the Ranger program on the calculator See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity Print pages 30 - 38 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Release a ball beneath the CBR and collect data as it bounces
Observe the distance versus time plot on the screen and store the data as lists in the calculator
Set up a scatter plot and record the coordinates of the vertex
Use the DRAW feature and sketch the axis of symmetry
Select the Transformation Graphing application and enter the general vertex form of the quadratic function
Enter estimates for the coefficients to get a best fit model for the data
After the Activity
Students will complete the Student Worksheet and answer questions listed on it.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary