Activity Overview
In this activity, students' will use a motion detector to collect motion data for a bouncing ball. They will then analyze the data to test the exponential model of motion.
Before the Activity
Connect the motion detector to the DIG/SONIC port of the CBL 2™ or the DIG/SONIC 1 port of the Vernier LabPro®
Connect the CBL 2 or LabPro to the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit cable
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 185 - 194 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Hold the motion detector 1.5 m above the floor, pointing downward
Drop the ball beneath the motion detector, and begin data collection
Examine the distance versus time graph on the calculator
Trace across the graph and record the maximum height of each bounce
Plot the rebound height versus the bounce number
Write an optimized model equation and use the parameters to write the fitted linear equation
After the Activity
Students' will analyze data, complete the Data Collection and Analysis Sheet and answer the questions listed in it.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary