Education Technology

Making Motion Graphs with Toys

Author
Subject Area
Math: Calculus: Derivatives
Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
Level
9-12
College
Activity Time
1 Hours
TI Calculator
TI-83 Plus Family
TI-84 Plus
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Accessories
CBL 2™
CBR 2™ motion sensor
Sensor - Motion Detector
Other Materials
  • Battery operated constant velocity car
  • Large free wheeling car
  • Long (5 or 6 feet) plank or other ramp
Resource Types
Lessons

Making Motion Graphs with Toys

Activity Overview

Intended for the beginning lessons in derivative and function graphs, this activity uses motion detectors and battery operated toy cars to generate constant velocity graphs on a TI-83/84.
Then students take a free-wheeling car and roll it up an incline with the motion detector gathering data for the complete trip up and down. Students then make observations about velocity and acceleration graphs of this position graph. Analysis questions are included.

Before the Activity

Teacher Notes are attached

During the Activity

Student activity packet with analysis questions is attached.

After the Activity

Review student answers:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
  • Author
    Subject Area
    Math: Calculus: Derivatives
    Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
    Level
    9-12
    College
    Activity Time
    1 Hours
    TI Calculator
    TI-83 Plus Family
    TI-84 Plus
    TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
    Accessories
    CBL 2™
    CBR 2™ motion sensor
    Sensor - Motion Detector
    Other Materials
    • Battery operated constant velocity car
    • Large free wheeling car
    • Long (5 or 6 feet) plank or other ramp
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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