Vectors Teacher Resources

Examine the meaning and purpose of vectors. Use the instructional activity to teach your classes how find the magnitude of a vector and what it represents graphically. Your pupils will also combine vectors to find a resultant vector and...

Take a look at vectors as geometric objects and then as an algebraic concept. The second video in a series of 15 introduces the vector using three perspectives: the physics, computer science, and mathematical. The resource shows the...

Fight against the current. Pupils explore the resulting path when they are crossing a river while being pushed downstream by the current. Using vector notation, learners express the speed and direction of a ferry. They finish by...

By engaging in online activities and direct teacher instruction, high schoolers discover that vectors have both magnitude and direction. There are many fine pdf attachments embedded in this plan which will enhance students' learning, and...

What does it mean for two vectors to be linearly independent? The resource presents the basics of basis vectors and linear combinations. The third video in the 15-part series provides a definition of linear independence in terms of the...

Complex numbers bridge so many concepts as learners edge into higher-level math. Here, their polar and rectangular forms link through vector notation, and the arithmetic of vectors is born. These basic math skills translate into a...

Investigate vectors and learn how to use them. Explore why size and direction, as well as knowing speed and distance, are important components of the vector problems you are trying to solve. This is an extensive lesson which includes six...

Investigate vectors in standard positions and use the CellSheet application on the TI calculator to find the sum of two vectors. Convert from polar to rectangular coordinates and vice versa, and show graphs of the vectors.

What does it take to build a stable arch? Pupils apply vectors and physics as they examine arched bridges and their structural integrity. They use vectors to represent the forces acting on the stone sections and make conclusions based on...

How do vectors help make problem solving more efficient? Math scholars use vectors to represent different phenomenon and calculate resultant vectors to answer questions. Problems vary from modeling airplane motion to the path of a robot. 

High schoolers listen to a lecture and complete a number of problems as they go. There are a variety of examples given and they are guided through the problem solving steps for each of the real-world scenarios regarding the purpose of...

Translate vectors to find equivalent ones. An interactive shows 10 randomly displayed vectors. Pupils grab the vectors and move them to group them with similar vectors in magnitude and direction. Scholars find the groups of vectors that...

Students explore the concept of vectors. In this vector lesson, students manipulate a car (on a computer) by changing the vector that directs the car. Students drive the car using vectors and try not to crash the car.

Vectors pop up in a ton of science and linear algebra applications, so becoming familiar with their basic manipulations and arithmetic is a must for pupils with an eye on higher math and science. Enter this skill-based lesson on finding...

Investigate the components of vectors and vector addition through geometric representations. Pupils learn the parallelogram rule for adding vectors and demonstrate their understanding graphically. They utilize the correct notation and...

High schoolers watch a video of real-world situations regarding speed, direction, velocity, force, etc. and answer questions while viewing. They then practice drawing and using vectors to solve more real-world problems.

Discover the connection between vectors and translations. Through the lesson, learners see the strong relationship between vectors, matrices, and translations. Their inquiries begin in the two-dimensional plane and then progress to the...

Young mathematicians connect vectors to geometric shapes by watching a video that expresses vectors in relation to the sides of geometric figures. They then apply what they learned by completing a worksheet of practice questions.

View vector addition with a greater magnitude. The interactive provides learners with the opportunity to determine the magnitude of vectors and their resultant vectors when added. Pupils investigate the relationship between the...

Find out if vectors are equal in the classroom. Pupils use the interactive to create vectors showing the movements boys perform in rearranging classroom furniture. The scholars determine which boy moved furniture the farthest, or if they...

 Future computer scientists participate in three activities to learn about vector graphics. They create their own logo, recreate a drawing using given functions, and use software to produce images.

Find the right number of vectors to get to the finish line. Using a boat race scenario, pupils add multiples of the same vector together. The scholars use scalar multiplication to speed up the boats in an exciting race to the finish. 

Find your way around using vectors. Scholars use an interactive to learn about vector addition. They answer a set of questions about modeling a route on a map using vectors.

Tying together an introductory unit on polar coordinates, graphs, and vectors is often a daunting task. So many nuanced math skills develop through these lessons that making sure an assessment hits them is difficult, to say the least....