The Kinematic Concepts module consists of 8 missions (assignments) that address such topics as vectors, scalars, distance, displacement, velocity, speed, acceleration, oil drop representations, numerical analysis of data, and average speed and average acceleration calculations.  The stated objectives and links to the Preview pages are listed below.  Tap a mission's name to preview.


 

Mission  and Objectives:

Mission KC1: Scalars and Vectors

• The student should understand the distinction between a vector and a scalar.
• The student should be able to identify basic quantities which are vectors and scalars.

Mission KC2: Distance and Displacement

• The student should be able to distinguish between the quantities distance and displacement in terms of their definition and their distinction as scalars and vectors.
• The student should be able to apply the distinction between distance and displacement to a physical scenario in order to determine the displacement and the distance of a moving object.

Mission KC3: Speed and Velocity

• The student should be able to distinguish between the quantities speed and velocity in terms of their definition and their distinction as scalars and vectors.
• The student should be able to apply the distinction between speed and velocity to a physical scenario in order to determine the speed and the velocity of a moving object.

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Mission KC4: Acceleration

• The student should understand the definition of acceleration and be able to apply their understanding of the essential features of accelerated motion to the analysis of simple motion scenarios.
• The student should be able to apply their understanding of the vector nature of acceleration to the analysis of simple motion scenarios.

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Mission KC5: Oil Drop Representations

• The student should be able to analyze an oil drop representation (ticker tape) and classify a motion as a constant velocity motion, an accelerated motion and as slow or fast.
• The student should be able to analyze an oil drop representation (ticker tape) and describe the direction of the velocity and acceleration vectors.

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Mission KC6: Average Speed Calculations

• The student should be able to use the average speed equation to perform simple computations and solve word problems.

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Mission KC7: Average Acceleration Calculations

• The student should be able to use the average acceleration equation to perform simple computations and solve word problems.

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Mission KC8: Position-Time and Velocity-Time Data

• The student should be able to analyze position-time data and make judgments about and determinations of velocity and acceleration values.
• The student should be able to analyze velocity-time data and make judgments about and determinations of velocity and acceleration values.

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