Activity Overview
In "Spree", two lovers have committed a series of crimes at various locations. Agents Eppes and Edgerton have plotted a map of their movements and have enlisted Charlie's help in trying to detect a pattern. Charlie says that the map shows only half of the story, and this pattern 'is a variation of something called a pursuit curve, created when one point chases another'. In this activity, students will study a pursuit curve problem modeled by four bugs chasing one another.
Before the Activity
Download the attached PDF and look over the Teacher Page. Download the attached TI-Navigator files for use during the lesson.
During the Activity
Discuss the materials from the Student Page with your class. Share the attached DISTANCE calculator program for students to check their work.
After the Activity
Encourage students to explore Web sites and questions from the Extensions Page.