Matching the Motion
A Vernier CBR2 motion detector device.Copyright Vernier https://www.vernier.com/products/sensors/motion-detectors/cbr2/
Students learn about slope, determining slope, distance vs. time graphs through a motion-filled activity. Working in teams with calculators and CBR2 motion detectors, students attempt to match the provided graphs and equations with the output from the detector displayed on their calculators.
Understand the slope of a line is important to mathematics and all sorts of engineering applications. Slope can be viewed as the rate of change motion, and in this activity it is seen as walking motion. Mechanical engineers deal with the motion of vehicles, such as cars, planes, spacecraft and motor scooters. It is important for them to be able to read and understand graphs that show displacement, velocity and acceleration, and then to analyze test data to learn how to design their products to be efficient and safe.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Determine the slope of a line given a graph.
- Explain the idea of slope as well as distance vs. time graphs.
- Provide definitions for velocity and acceleration.
- Describe which types of lines have slopes of zero or undefined, and why.