Activity Overview
Students will use parametric equations to model two physical situations: making a free throw (basketball) and hitting a home run (baseball). Students will begin exploring the models by using sliders to change to the angle and velocity of the shot or hit. They will then move the time slider to see how the model behaves with respect to time. This will reinforce the idea that the parametric equations are determining a specific location in space at a certain time, t.
Before the Activity
Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first page. Download and distribute the attached student TI-Nspire document (.tns file) and student worksheet for use during the activity.
During the Activity
Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.
After the Activity
Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity.