D0: Orientation to CBL Technology

It's a rare thing today to walk into a mathematics classroom and not find a multitude of graphing calculators in the hands of students. These calculators (TI-81, TI-82, TI-85, and TI-92; HP has a few too) are being used extensively in some math classes. This situation provides physics teachers with a golden opportunity to utilize these sophisticated calculators for physics applications. (Of course, physics teachers could also require them whereupon the math teachers might get the idea.)

In this series of projects you will familiarize yourself with the TI-82, TI-83, or TI-85 graphing calculator, TI-Graph Link, and the Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL) System. (You may also choose to employ your own TI graphing calculator to the extent that resources allow it; see both the TI and Vernier web sites below for online availability of free software to be used with your particular calculator.) Once you have done so, you will use these tools to conduct three simple lab projects using a variety of different sensors.

• The TI Graphing Calculator does what the name implies -- graphing. Of course, that's not all that it does. For instance, it can analyze a graph interactively while you view it; it can show numeric output of functions in table format; it has a split screen setting that shows both graph and function list, data table, function table or home screen in the same window; it has pull-down menus for easy access to advanced functions without cluttering the keyboard; it can show box-and-whisker plots, median-median line, quadratic, cubic, and polynomial regressions; and it can define, save and graph 10 rectangular functions, 6 parametric equations, 6 polar equations and 2 recursively defined sequences to name but a few of its capabilities. It's a nice programmable number cruncher with plenty of advanced functions.
• TI-Graph Link connects the TI-82, TI-83, TI-85 and other graphing calculators to a Macintosh or PC computer. The connecting cable and software let you exchange TI-82/83/85 programs and data, create and edit programs, and print and save TI-82/83/85 screens. TI-Graph Link allows the teacher to create a single executable file and then transfer that file to a host of student calculators without the difficulties and time use required by students to do so. Using TI-Graph Link, teachers and students can easily transfer data collected using the CBL System to a computer outfitted with such software programs as Graphical Analysis -- a faster, more visually appealing way to manage data, do curve fitting, etc.
• The CBL is a portable, handheld, battery-operated, data collection device for collecting "real world" data. The data collected with the CBL can be retrieved by TI-82/83/85 graphing calculators for analysis. With the CBL system and appropriate sensors, you can measure motion, temperature, light intensity, sound intensity, pH, force, and more. Probes, or sensors, provide the means by which data is collected or sensed. In addition to the three probes provided (temperature, light intensity, voltage), many existing third-party probes such as ultrasonic motions detectors, force probes, pH sensors, etc. can be used with the CBL system when connected with optional adapters.

If you choose to take the Physics Department's TI-82 (SN 20082818), TI-83 (SN 02618663), or TI-85 (SN 25056550) and CBL (SN100001802-LTA4094) from the building which you may do, you are responsible for their return. This means that should you loose the calculator or should it be stolen while it is in your possession, you will be required to replace it. The going rate is approximately $90 - $100 for the calculators. The similar rules apply with the CBL. The replacement cost of this unit is approximately $185.

RESOURCE: TI Web site

RESOURCE: Vernier Web site

Note that at both web sites you can sign up for free newsletters that you might find of great worth.

Return to PHY 302 Syllabus COURSE CONTENT Section