Activity Overview
In this activity, students' will use a motion detector to collect position data showing evenly-spaced jumps in value. They will then model this data using the greatest integer function.
Before the Activity
Connect the motion detector to the DIG/SONIC port of the CBL 2™ or the DIG/SONIC 1 port of the Vernier LabPro®
Connect the CBL 2 or LabPro to the calculator using the Unit-to-Unit cable
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 209 - 215 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Line up six students, uniformly-spaced, in front of the motion detector
Once the detector is activated make the students step aside in evenly spaced time intervals
Examine the distance versus time graph displayed on the calculator
Model the function with an equation
Compare the graph with graph of the greatest integer function
Estimate the magnitude of the vertical spacing between steps and the typical length in time of the steps
After the Activity
Students will fill in the Data Collection and Analysis Sheet and answer question listed in it.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary