Education Technology


Get on the Stick

Activity Overview

Students use a CBR 2™ to measure the reaction time of catching a stick. They also learn how to interpret a box plot and make a five number summary of a single variable data set.

Before the Activity

  • Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 127 - 134 from the attached PDF file for the class

  • Set up the calculator and CBR 2™ for data collection
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:

  • Divide the class into groups of three
  • Place a CBR 2 one meter below a stick with a tapped plate
  • Release the stick and catch it above the CBR 2 and measure the start and end time to find the reaction time
  • Conduct 5 trials for each student
  • Calculate reaction time for each trial and take the average of the trials for each student
  • Enter the values of average reaction time for each student on the calculator
  • Use the variable statistic function to calculate the five-point summary of the average reaction time of the class
  • Graph and interpret data in the form of a box-plot
  • 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