Activity Overview
In this activity, students will find the distance traveled when the velocity is constant by examining the area under the Velocity-Time graph and applying the formula d = r * t. They will also find the distance traveled for motion when the velocity is not constant by approximating the area under the Velocity-Time graph.
Before the Activity
Connect the calculator to the CBR 2™
Install the TI Connect™ software to analyze data on the computer
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 10-13 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Run the Ranger program on the calculator
Stand close to a wall (facing away from it) and point the CBR towards the wall
Start walking away from the wall at a constant rate and begin data collection
Study the velocity versus time graph
Draw a line that best approximates the velocity of motion and record the value
Determine the slope of the line and the acceleration
Compare the area of the rectangles formed by the line that approximates velocity and a vertical line at each time
Find the distance from the wall and the distance traveled
After the Activity
Students will complete the Data Collection table and answer questions listed in it.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary