1D Kinematics Labs

The following PDF files represent a collection of Lab write ups pertaining to the topic of 1D Kinematics. The Labs are synchronized to readings from the Tutorial, missions of the Minds On activities, and more. Teachers may print these Labs and their related Ruberics and use them freely with their classes. Learn more about creating a Lab Notebook for these activities as well as Reporting and Guidelines.

Available Labs

Select a Lab below to learn more about it, or download the teacher guide and other supporting documents.

Speedometer Lab

What is the speed of my constant motion, battery-powered car?

Prep Time
Lab Time
Cost
Fun
Difficulty
Danger

Speedometer Cubed Lab

What is the speed of an object as determined by a meter stick and a stopwatch, a ticker tape timer and a meter stick and a motion detector? How do the three methods of determining speed compare in terms of their accuracy and precision?

Diagramming Motion Lab

How do the dot diagrams for different types of motion compare to each other?

Position-Time Graphs Lab

How can the following types of motion be described with a position-time graph? (moving in the positive direction versus moving in the negative direction; moving fast versus moving slow; moving with a constant speed versus moving with a gradually changing speed; speeding up versus slowing down; etc.)

Interpreting the Slope Lab

How does the slope of the line on a position-time graph compare to the speed of an object?

Velocity-Time Graphs Lab

How can the following types of motion be described with a velocity-time graph? (moving in the positive direction versus moving in the negative direction; moving fast versus moving slow; moving with a constant speed versus moving with a gradually changing speed; speeding up versus slowing down; etc.)

Match That Graph Lab

What general principles allow one to transpose a position-time graph into a velocity-time graph (and vice versa)?

Free Fall Lab

How can the acceleration of a free-falling object be described? Is it constant or changing? Is it directed upward or downward? Is there a magnitude that is commonly associated with it?

Dune Buggy Challenge Lab

At what location must a moving car be located in order for a dropped marble to land in its seat?