Calculus Labs

Now that I'm on a traditional schedule for BC, I'm not so sure I'll be able to maintain all of the labs I've done in the past. Since I'm aware that others use these, however, I want to keep this page "up and running".

I'll try to update the files as I can, but you should consider this more of an archive page for now. If the mess is too much for you, click here to go back to the AP Calculus page.

Your calculator can be a great help in many of these labs, especially if you have updated operating systems, certain programs, and tools. Here are a few links you might find helpful:

	TI Connect - This is a little program that essentially allows your calculator to communicate and swap files with your computer (and yes... that includes games, too).
	TI-89 OS - You can download the latest operating system for the TI-89 Titanium (currently v3.10). Installation requires TI Connect. If you are using the older TI-89 calculator, it's latest OS (v2.09) can be downloaded here.
	DataMate - This is a handy little application for the TI-89 that makes the use of the CBL probes easier to set up.

Here are the archived activities:

Boyle's Law Lab Infinite Limits Sample Data	This lab verbally, graphically, and analytically investigates infinite limits as applied to the relationship between pressure and volume known as Boyle's Law.
Ball Drop Rectilinear Motion Balldrop.tii or Balldrop.pdf Balldrop Data.tii	This lab verbally, numerically, and analytically investigates the relationships among position, velocity, and acceleration. The Balldrop Data.tii file contains data from an actual experiment (to be used if performing the experiment is not possible). To be updated soon!
Weather Sinusoidal Curves and the Chain Rule Weather.tii or Weather.pdf	This lab verbally, numerically, graphically, and analytically investigates sinusoidal patterns demonstrated in weather data. Also to be updated soon.
Bouncing Wagon Activity Implicit Differentiation	This activity graphically and analytically investigates the properties of the implicitly-defined "bouncing wagon" curve. Its grading rubric is also included. Although I've seen the equation in other places, this particular activity is adapted from Exercise 22 on page 244 in James Stewart’s Calculus: Concepts and Contexts, 2nd ed.
Graph Behavior Project Graph Behavior	This project allows each student to choose from a variety of functions and explore its characteristics in detail. The current version allows for students to select their own functions not already listed. A grading rubric is also included.
Euler's Method Activity Euler's Method and Slope Fields	This activity numerically, graphically, and analytically investigates the solutions of a differential equation using slope fields and Euler's method. This particular activity is adapted from Exercise 25 on page 521 in James Stewart’s Calculus: Concepts and Contexts, 2nd ed.
Cootie Lab Logistic Modeling Sample Data	This lab verbally, graphically, and analytically investigates logistic behavior as applied to the spread of a disease through a population over time.

Note: There used to be a few activities designed to introduce students to the software Maple, but I no longer have those posted. If you are interested in those, feel free to email me at mrdeck@bellsouth.net.