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 relative velocity:
Calculator Pad, Vectors and Projectiles Chapter, Problems #19 - #21
If you want to provide students with 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 #19-#21 of our Vectors and Projectiles problem set include three river boat problems ... of the type discussed in this video.
Physics Interactives - River Boat Simulator
Don't own a boat? No river near by? No problem! We got you covered. Hop on our River Boat Simulator and take a trip across the river. Students can head their boat across the river or at an angle upstream or downstream; change the current speed or the river width; and EXPLORE! The simulation is accompanied by two different classroom-ready activity pages.
Concept Builder: Relative Velocity
Someday we are going to have a Relative Velocity Concept Builder. And when we do, we will add the link right here.
Minds On Physics App #1, Vectors and Projectiles Module, Mission VP6
For serious learners, Minds On Physics is the tool for refining understanding. These interactive questioning modules can be downloaded to a phone and tablet. There is a built-in progress-tracking capability that allows teachers to make assignments and check on student progress.. Mission VP6 coordinates with this video.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions Chapter, Relative Velocity and River Boat Problems
Our Tutorial page on with the same name as our video takes a similar approach to the topic of river boat problems. You will find a few more practice problems here ... especially at the bottom of the page. It's worth a visit when you or a student needs a refresher or just a quick reference ... or even some sample problems.