Activity Overview
In this activity, students investigate how a spring stretches when different weights pull on it. They relate the stretch of the spring directly to the weight and vice-versa.
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 1 - 4 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages 1 - 4 to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Run the Ranger program
Attach the plate to the spring and hang the spring from a ring stand
Position the CBR face up under the plate
Record the distance between the CBR and the plate
Add 5 pennies to the plate and measure the distance between the plate and the CBR
Repeat the above step until a total of 20 pennies have been added to the plate
Record the distance data and calculate the amount of stretch per penny
Add a handful of pennies to the plate, measure the distance, and predict the number of pennies
Count the pennies and compare with the predicted value
For a given number of pennies predict the stretch
Determine the proportionality constant for this variation
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