Education Technology


JASON: Tracking the Path of Animals

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