Kinematic Graphing Notes

The Kinematic Graphing Interactive is an adjustable-size file that displays best on tablets such as the iPad, on Chromebooks, and on laptops and desktops. The size of the Interactive can be scaled to fit the device that it is displayed on. The compatibility with iPads, other tablets, and Chromebooks make it a perfect tool for use in a 1:1 classroom. While the screen real estate is dense with features, it will should still display nicely on phones.

This Interactive may be one of our most valuable learning tools in the Kinematics section of Physics Interactives. It can be used at any time during the learning cycle on kinematic graphing. However, we recommend its use in the early to middle stages. Some of our other Interactives - Graph That Motion, Graphs and Ramps, and Two-Stage Rocket - would be better suited for the middle to later stages. This simulation is perfect for learning about the relationship between an object's motion and the kinematic graphs that describe the motion. Graphs include position-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, and acceleration-time graphs. Each simulation also includes a dot diagram and a background grid for making position measurements (1 square = 0.20 m along its edge).

There are three usage modes - The Basic 6, Two Stage, and Sandbox mode. Each mode allows the user some control over motion parameters such as the initial velocity, acceleration, and the time. Sandbox mode provides the user with relatively unlimited control ... other than certain parameter set-ups will send the moped off the screen quite quickly.

The Basic 6 mode is the introductory mode. It is intended to help the learner internalize the meaning of the graph features and their relationship to the motion. Six basic motion types are included. There are two constant velocity motions - one for moving to the right and one for moving to the left. There are two speeding up motions - one for moving to the right and one for moving to the left. And finally, there are two slowing down motions. Users tap a button to toggle between the six basic motions. The Basic 6 mode allows users to explore concepts of slope for position-time and velocity-time graphs. The slope is even computed for curved position-time graphs with a red tangent line superimposed on the graph. Arrow buttons allow the user to navigate to any point on the graph they wish. The velocity-time graph allows the user to explore the area between the line on the graph and the time-axis for any time interval desired. Arrow buttons allow users to control the time interval.

Two Stage mode allows users to explore two-stage motions. An example would be and object moving with a constant velocity for a specified time followed by a slowing down motion. There are eight different two-stage motions to explore. Users can modify motion parameters for both stages. There are of course constraints on the degree to which such changes can be made since the width of the Interactive is finite and the moped will soon make its way off the screen. Sandbox mode allows the user to explore both one-stage and two-stage motions with considerably more freedom over the motion parameters.

Our Kinematic Graphing simulation is accompanied by a student activity sheet. It coordinates well with The Basic 6 mode of the simulation. It's goal is to provide students a means of recording their observations and some questions that guide towards making some generalizations that describe the relationship between the motion features and the graph features. View Student Activity.

Our Kinematic Graphing simulation is now available with two Concept Checkers - one for the The Basic 6 usage mode and one for the Two Stage Motion usage mode. Do the simulation. Then follow it up with the Concept Checker: