Teacher Resources
The Physics Classroom has been devoted to helping students, teachers, and classrooms since the 1990s. We are as passionate about that mission now as we have ever been. If you are a teacher of Physics or Physical Science, we encourage you to use our Video Tutorial with your students. And we also encourage you to consider the use of other resources on our website that coordinate with the video. We have listed a few below to help you get started.
Teacher Toolkits: Vectors
Planning a unit or a series of lessons on Vectors? We can help. Try a Toolkit - a collection of vetted resources that are multi-media reliant and standards-based. This one on Vectors should stimulate several good ideas.
Curriculum Corner: Vectors and Projectiles
Our Curriculum Corner consists of a large collection of Think Sheets on variety of topics. They provide a systematic and developmental approach to the concepts of Physics. The following will be of particular interest when teaching about vector components, vector resolution and vector addition:
The Laboratory - Vectors and Projectiles
We have a large number of lab ideas with highly detailed Teacher Guides. Several of the Vector Lab ideas would complement this video. In particular, you might be interested in
As the Crow Flies,
Where Am I?, and
Map Lab. Links to all Teacher Guides can be found
here.
Calculator Pad, Vectors and Projectiles Chapter, Problems #10 - #16
If you want practice with using mathematical ideas, our Caculator Pad is a great starting point. (You can finish there also.) You will find problems, answers, and audio-guided solutions. Problems #10-#16 of our Vectors and Projectiles problem set are a perfect follow-up to this video.
Physics Interactives - Vector Addition
This simulation allows students to drag vectors onto a work-space, easily change their magnitude and direction, arrange them head-to-tail, and view their resultant. Use the option of showing the components. It's a playful way of learning about component addition. The accompanying activity sheet is designed for use by teachers with their classes. It makes a great complement to a lesson.
Concept Builder: Component Addition
Students love Concept Builders and its not surprising that they do. These interactive questioning modules provide immediate feedback to student answers and links to related information. The one on Component Addition is a perfect follow-up to this video. Teachers wih a teacher account can track student progress in a database.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions Chapter, Component Addition
Our Tutorial page on Component Addition explains the details of how to use the analytical method of vector addition. There are plenty of examples to learn by. It's worth a visit when a student needs a refresher or just a quick reference. Many teachers link to these pages from their course pages.