Calculus Lab 2-1: Parabolic Action of a Free-Falling Object

There is nothing better for understanding than real world applications. In this lab, the students will use a motion detector to find the parabolic graph in time vs distance of a ball thrown up and caught. They will find the regression equation for the parabola on their calculators, then answer questions dealing with average velocity, instantaneous velocity, acceleration and speed. This file contains helpful teacher hints for using a motion detector, student directions for the lab , and questions for a lab report.

My students encounter this concept in our calculus textbook in Ch. 2 on Derivatives thus the numbering 2-1. Hope this is helpful. Enjoy!

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Parabolic Action of a Free-Falling Object Lab © 2018 by Fan Disher