A.  Identify Rubber Bands and Calibration Graphs:  You have six rubber bands.  Their set number is specified.  Each rubber band has a calibration graph, which you can locate by clicking on Rubber Band Calibration Graphs. The sets are numbered sequentially, with six graphs under the set number; calibration graphs within each set are numbered 1-6, with the number beneath  the graph.  

• 1.  Look at the rubber bands. You'll see that each rubber band has a number of black marks on it.
• 2.  Count the black marks on each rubber band. This is the number of the corresponding calibration graph for the rubber band
• 3.  It is suggested that you paperclip each rubber band to the calibration graph whose number it matches.

B.  Interpret the calibration graphs and write down your data (you may if you wish refer also to Interpreting Calibration Graphs for more sample graphs and a more detailed explanation). 

As you move backwards from the last plateau the rubber band lengths decrease by .5 cm for every plateau, so that the second-to-the-last plateau corresponds to a length of 11.0 cm, the plateau before that to 10.5 cm, etc..

• 5.  Write down the length and the force associated with each plateau for the first calibration graph.

Repeat this for the calibration graph of each rubber band.

C.  For each rubber band create a graph off force vs. length. You can use a hand sketch of the graph using the graph form or you can create your graph in Excel or another spreadsheet. 

• If you use Excel place the data in 2 columns and use the Chart Wizard to create a scatter graph of the points on a force vs. length graph. To get the curve you can use a polynomial trendline of degree 3. The advantage to using Excel is that you get a function which approximates force vs. length of the rubber band. You will need a graph and a curve or alternatively a function for each of the six rubber bands.