Activity Overview
Students use mathematics to examine patterns that occur in a specific scenario and predict future events for the scenario.
Data is collected on the time it takes to pass a ball. The students plot graphs, fit the data with a function rule, analyze proportional relationships, and make predictions.
Before the Activity
Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 1 - 5 from the attached PDF file for the class
Set up the calculator for data collection
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Have four students stand in a circle
Each students bounces the ball, catches it, and passes it to the next student
Continue passing the ball until it is back to the person who started
Determine the time it takes to complete one cycle
Record three trials and find out the average time
Collect data using five different sets of students
Enter the data (number of students in a group, and the time they took to pass the ball) as lists
Create a scatter plot
Perform a linear regression to fit the data with a function rule
Find the equation of the line of best fit, and calculate he slope
Estimate the time it would take the entire class to complete the activity and compare it to the actual time taken
Repeat the entire process of passing the ball, without bouncing it
Find the line of best fit
Find the approximate time the entire class would take to pass the ball
After the Activity
Students analyze the results and answer the case analysis questions on the student worksheet
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary