Vectors: Properties and Operations

The Vectors: Properties and Operations Toolkit provides teachers with standards-based resources for designing lesson plans and units that pertain to ithe properties and the operations associated with vector quantities. Such concepts include the distinction between a vector and a scalar, the conventions used to describe the direction of vectors, the representation of vectors by scaled diagrams, the addition of two or more vectors using graphical representations, the resolution of vectors into components using trigonoetric functions, and the use of component analysis to add two or more vectors that are at angles to the horizontal and vertical axes. The Toolkit is supported by Lesson 1 of the Motion in Two Dimensions Chapter at The Physics Classroom Tutorial. Subsequent Lessons in the same chapter apply these vector principles to the motion of projectiles and the effect of angled forces upon the motion of objects.


Each toolkit can be viewed in three different ways.

  1. Vectors: Properties and Operations - HTML Version of Complete Toolkit

    The HTML version of the complete toolkit contains all the resources with full descriptions and links to their location on the web. The complete toolkit also includes learning objectives and references the pertinent standards addressed by the resources.
     

  2. Vectors: Properties and Operations - PDF Version of Complete Toolkit

    The PDF version of the complete toolkit contains all the resources with full descriptions in a printer-friendly format. Learning objectives and relevant standards are also included in the PDF Version of the complete toolkit.
     

  3. Vectors: Properties and Operations - Toolkit To Go

    The Toolkit To Go is a 2-page PDF document that provides an abbreviated version of the complete toolkit. It contains as much information as could fit on two pages. Toolkits to Go can be photo-copied back-to-back, hole-punched, and filed in a teacher's folder or three-ring binder for future reference.