Review for:Vector Addition Simulation

posted: on October 17, 2006 at 6:03PM

Physics

Vector Addition

The learning goal for the students was to see the power of the graphical method of vector addition as well as to appreciate that in "Vectorland" 10+10 doesn't have to equal 20.

Intro or Regular

I demonstrated the tool on the ineractive whiteboard and encouraged students to try it out at home as well.

Provides visualization or animation, Increases graphing skills, Increases modeling skills, Provides practice or tutorial, Increases student engagement and motivation

I find that students struggle with the concepts of vectors. They have difficulty seeing how important the direction component is in the final solution of the problem. This simulation allows me to show them directly the affects of changing the direction or magnitude of one single vector. The content is great because it allows vectors to be shown as either X,Y components or as single arrows, so it allows the students to see a variety of ways to solve the problem and I can use it to show head-to-tail method or component method. I think it is effective as a learning tool. Students seem to grasp the concepts better using this simulation.

The only difficulties I have with this simulation is that it requires some practice to grab the vectors without changing their size or direction. I think some students may less attracted to this simulation because it is kind of plain and there are no fun graphics attached to it.