What Does the Motion of a Rolling Object Look Like? HSF.IF.B.4

Students can get easily confused when it comes to understanding variables of a graph and visualizing what that information represents. This activity will allow students to see how the path of an object moving toward and away from a given point is modeled. With the use of their TI-84 Plus graphing calculators and the Vernier CBR-2, students in small groups will study the motion of a tennis ball and a toy car rolling up and then back down a ramp. This gives them an opportunity to practice interpreting  the motion of the objects through a hands on activity.

The graphs for the motion of either object should be similar in that they are parabolas, but students will be able to see what determines their properties. At first, they will be asked to visualize and sketch what they imagine the graphs would like. Then by using the technology explained, they can see how their original assumptions compare to the graphs obtained from the motion detector. This will encourage students to critically think about an object in motion and have a better understanding of how its distance from the starting point in relation to time is represented.

Activity Worksheet-Rolling Through Motion

Practice Standard:

CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5- Use appropriate tools strategically

This activity relates to the Common Core State Standard:

CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.IF.B.4
For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship.

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