Vector Scavenger Hunt
Working in small lab groups, students will create a vector map. Each lab group will "hide"
or utilize a commonplace object at the finish for the group following their map to find.
They then will be given another group's vector map to follow. This activity is used to
reinforce definitions of terms and the graphical method of vector representation and
addition.
Objectives
To create a map using vectors
To follow a vector map
Materials
Meter stick
Centimeter ruler
Compass/Protractor
Pencil and Graph paper
Map Requirements
1. Each map must consist of a minimum of 8 different vectors.
a. A different vector is defined as one having a different magnitude and a
different compass direction.
b. A vector must have a minimum length of 2 m.
c. Of these 8, at least 3 must be drawn at angles other than 900.
2. A different starting position is chosen by each group. Each group must clearly
indicate and label this position on their vector map.
3. The ending position is to be decided on by each group also but SHOULD NOT
BE LABELED on the map. It can say “end” or “finish”, but that is all.
4. The map must state the scale used and must include a compass rose.
5. The map should be of either the 1st or 2nd floor, but not both.
6. On the map, each vector should simply be numbered 1, 2, 3, etc. On a separate
sheet of paper each group must list the magnitude and direction of each vector.
For example: Vector 1  6.5 m E
Vector 2  3 m at 300 N of E
Vector 3  2.5 m W
Scoring Rubric
Activity
Minimum of 8 vectors described on separate sheet of
paper
Minimum of 3 vectors at angles other than 900
Other group successfully follows your map
Scale indicated on map
Vectors drawn "tip-to-tail" on map
Compass rose included on map
Vectors are numbered in order on map
Questions answered individually and correctly
Points Awarded (25
total)
8
3
2
2
3
1
1
5
Questions
1.
2.
3.
What total distance was traveled as someone followed your map? Explain how it
was found. Show any calculations that you performed.
What was the displacement of someone who followed your map? Explain how it
was found. Show any calculations that you performed.
How does this activity demonstrate the difference between a vector and a scalar
term? Don’t just give definitions of the two.
Modified from: http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/pschweig/vectormap.html