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 8 missions and the corresponding objectives are listed below.  Tap a mission's name to begin.

 

Quick Links to Missions:
 

 

Mission 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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