That is the central problem that motivates study of the traditional kinematics curriculum.  Often this study results in students memorizing and manipulating equations.  Using this module, the student has a motivation for moving past memorization and actually understanding the ideas. Additionally, students are using and refining pattern recognition skills; something essential for a study of science.

This module is intended to supplement an existing kinematics curriculum and teach students the use of Excel to analyze data..  The opening question motivates the unit.  The teacher then teaches the traditional kinematics topics of position, velocity (both average and instantaneous) and acceleration, interspersing Excel activities to teach the students the necessary skills.  The culminating activity is answering the opening question with the students determining the best way to build the model and analyze the data.  

Suggestions for extensions to the unit are offered as well.