Tour de France with Stella and TI Calculator

Abstract

The main purpose of this challenge project was to incorporate the modeling technology that we used in the CMST program at the summer academy. This also served to teach us the modeling software in a solid, more meaningful way. The main purpose of this challenge project was to teach the students to gather, organize, and display data. Throughout this project we also had the opportunity to use technology in order to solve real-world problems. This allowed the students to relate the information to their own personal lives and activate their prior knowledge. The modeling software and technology was a wonderful medium to engage and motivate the students. Using various forms of software and models, our students were able to concretely visualize the effects that data has on tables and graphs. The software allowed the students to instantly see changes and follow specific pieces of information over periods of time. It became very simple and fun for the students to compare and contrast the various forms of data. Not only did we have the opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation for technology, but we also had the chance to pass this knowledge on to our students. We taught the students how to use models and technology such as Stella, the TI-83 graphing calculator, Excel, PowerPoint, the Internet, a digital camera, and the Promethean Board. In order to incorporate and utilize the many forms of technology and modeling software, we created the ‘Tour De Technology’. As part of this project, the students were asked to research the Tour De France and properly organize and label their data. The students were then instructed to represent their data using graphs and in Stella. As a result of the tables and graphs, the students were able to visualize the effects that terrain, speed, and distance has on the rider’s finish time.