Activity Overview
In this activity, students use a motion detector to create Distance versus Time graphs. They experiment with various Distance-Time graphs and write mathematical descriptions of motion with constant velocity.
Before the Activity
Connect the calculator to the CBR 2™
Install the TI Connect™ software to analyze data on the computer
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 11 - 15 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Run the Ranger program
Walk back and forth in front of the motion detector and begin collecting data
Observe the graph of distance versus time on the calculator screen
Write the equation of the line in slope-intercept form and check whether it matches the collected data
Find the y-intercept to determine the starting position of the walker
Calculate the slope of the line and determine the velocity
Identify the motion which creates a given graph
After the Activity
Students will complete the Data Collection table and answer questions listed in it.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary