Education Technology

Science: Forensics Case 4 - Flipping Coins: Density as a characteristic property

by Texas Instruments

Overview

In this activity, students identify counterfeit coins based on the characteristic property of density. They model data using a linear equation, interpret the slope and intercept values from a linear model, and identify a characteristic property of a substance.

Key Steps

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    To compare pre-1982 pennies with post-1982 pennies, students create a weight vs. number of pennies graph in the process of simulating an investigation into counterfeit coins.

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    Using the linear regression equations of the two groups of pennies, students explore the properties of each group.