NXT DATA INVESTIGATION

Which Wheel? How Far?

1. This experiment involves the motorized Lego NXT robot and different sized
wheels. We want to predict how far the robot will travel in a fixed time
according to the size of the wheel.
2. Here we see different wheels and a measuring tape. Note the diameter of
each wheel. Record the diameter on the table provided on the worksheet.
3. Now using the same wheel weve had on previous experiments, we will line
the robot up at a start line and have it run for 5 seconds. Then we will note
the distance it went. Record the distance in the proper cell of the table on
the worksheet.
4. Next we place a smaller wheel on the robot. Before we advance to the next
slide and see it run, make a prediction as to whether it will go farther or
shorter. Maybe even try to predict how far it will go based on your recorded
measurement.
5. Now watch the run and note and record the measurement of the distance.
6. Now well try a third wheel and see what the results are. Once again, make
some predictions. Farther or shorter? How far?
7. Ok, watch the run, note and record the measurement of the distance.
8. Now use the graph provided on the worksheet and plot the three ordered
pairs you have so far. The horizontal axis (the independent variable) should
be the diameter of the wheel and the vertical axis (the dependent variable)
should be the distance traveled. If you connect the three points successively,
what kind of curve do you get. What is the rate of change for the two line
segments? Is it the same? Should it be the same?
9. Use the Two-Point formula or the Point-Slope formula for linear functions to
come up with a formula which relates the distance traveled to the diameter of
the wheel. You may also want to try putting the three ordered pairs into
Excel or your calculator and determine a trend line (or linear regression).
10.Heres a fourth wheel which we are going to try. Note the diameter of the
wheel. Using your modeling function from the previous step predict the
distance the robot will travel.
11.Now watch the run of the robot and view the distance. How close was the
actual value to your prediction? If it was off, how far was it off? Discuss on
the worksheet about why it was off errors in your calculations or
experimental error.

NXT DATA INVESTIGATION

Pictures needed:
1. Each wheel with ruler showing
2. wheels in a group
3. robot with various wheels
4. Run of robot with each wheel
5. Robot at end of each run with measuring tape
6. worksheet portion
7. graph for plotted points showing diameter on x-axis, distance on y-axis
8. screen shot of excel trend line screen
9. screen shot of calculator data matrix screen

NXT DATA INVESTIGATION

Worksheet: Which Wheel? How Far?
Table for wheel information:
Wheel

Picture

Diameter

Distance Traveled
in 5 seconds

1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

Graph:

Modeling Function: Distance = ____________________ x Diameter +

______________________

(prediction)