Activity Overview
Rainforest at the Crossroads: Simulate the motion of an animal using a rectangular object placed at different positions on the floor. Then measure and graph the animal's coordinates, and examine its path.
Before the Activity
See the attached teacher document (pdf file) for notes and guidelines for this activity.
Print and copy the attached activity document and research article (pdf files) for your class. The research article is in the during the activity section below.
During the Activity
Students will:
Place an object in different positions on a surface to simulate the motion of an animal
Use a Motion Detector connected to a TI CBL 2™
, or Vernier LabPro®, and a TI-73 Explorer™
to measure the XY coordinates of the object
Use the information to draw conclusions about its movements
Directions
Distribute the activity document and research article to your class
Read and discuss the research article
Follow the activity procedures outlined in the student document
After the Activity
Students complete the data analysis section of the activity
Discuss the results of the data analysis with your students