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.
We have a lot of resources on vectors and vector addition! And because this video tutorial is likely the starting point of several lessons on the addition of vectors, we have identified several resources that will be of value to teachers planning lessons and units that pertain to this video tutorial and beyond.
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. These three will be particularly useful for any unit that begins with vector addition:
Physics Interactives: Vector Addition
Experiment with vectors, resultants, and more with this interactive workspace. Drag a vector onto it, resize and re-position it. Add a second or a third vector to it and observe the resultant. Experiment until you've had enough .... or until you have to go to bed.
Physics Interactives: Name That Vector
This is a skill building tool that presents users with 12 vector addition challenges. Twenty-five vectors are displayed on a grid; each challenge involves adding three of the vectors together to determine the resultant. The emphasis of the activity is on component addition. Built-in score-keeping makes this interactive a perfect candidate for a classroom activity.
Physics Interactives: Vector Guessing Game
Two random vectors are displayed and learners must decide on the size and direction of the resultant. Be quick because the timer is counting down. The challenge is to solve as possible correctly in 20 seconds. Repeat the process and beat your high score.
Physics Help: Vector Addition
Consists of 12 problems involving the head-to-tail addition of two vectors. Use an accurately drawn scaled vector diagram to determine the resultant; then check your answers. Great practice. Great feedback.
Concept Builders: Head-to-Tail Vector Addition
Students love Concept Builders! They work equally well as in-class exercises or (if you have a registered teacher account) as assigned out-of-class work. This particular one is a perfect match for the video and makes for a great follow-up to what you've learned.
Concept Builders: Vector Addition
You can never have too many of these. They are great for in-class and (with Version 2 Concept Builders) out of class work. This exercise can be used to support head-to-tail graphical approaches or the analytic method of adding vectors.
Concept Builders: Component Addition
This is one of our favorites. It's a great introduction to the analytic method of vector addition.It includes three levels of difficulty.
Minds On Physics App #1, Vectors and Projectiles Module, Mission VP2 - VP4
A good work out will strengthen your muscles and invigorate your heart. So will Minds On Physics. Not for the weak or faint-hearted. Perfect for those who are serious about their Physics physique.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Motion and Forces in Two Dimensions, Lesson 1, Vector Addition
Known for its thorough, logic-fillled approach, the Tutorial section of our website has earned the reputation of presenting concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Many teachers provide links to these readings from their course pages.