Lesson Plan

Simulating Weightlessness

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Floating across the top. Class groups examine the parabolas, written as parametric equations, that model the flight path of NASA's C-9 as it simulates weightlessness. They continue their exploration by changing the parameters to determine the optimum and safest flight path for the plane and crew.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Provide a short introduction to projectile motion and the parametric equations that model it
Classroom Considerations
  • Every pupil needs access to a TI-Nspire handheld
  • The class should be comfortable with evaluating trigonometric functions
Pros
  • The solutions are also contained in a TI-Nspire file
  • Contains a separate handout for pupils to use to document their answers
Cons
  • None