Well, here's a sample DL lesson, the content is from Sci 10,
Physics. I need to preface this by saying that the lesson would
take about 80 minutes, due to the lab activity. I thought it would
be interesting to take a lesson that I used to teach in a typical
classroom and 'translate' it to an online delivery. This gave me
new respect for the sample lessons that we have viewed! The
process is challenging; the language needed many revisions, not
to mention the structure and content. If I were to take on the
task of writing an online course, I think I'd like a partner or
mentor to really assist with the multitude of questions and
decisions that need to be made: this certainly contrasts with my
confidence and expertise in a traditional classroom environment.
Science 10 Physics
Unit 3 Chapter 2
Lesson 1: Position and Displacement
Get Started:
Have you ever wondered how animators in movies and games
figure out how to make moving characters seem so realistic?
Part of this process is tracking where each part of a person’s body
is moving relative to the ground.
Elite level athletes also want to ‘track’ how each body part moves
relative to other parts so they can determine the most efficient
way to move. That way, the athlete can have the best
performance.
In the video clip below, you will view how a skateboarder’s
motion is being tracked by computers at a Hollywood Studio and
Production Company so that the athlete can learn how to improve
his techniques.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sIvjnLA_xk
The skateboarder can work on his tricks in a very organized way
using the information gathered from the sensors. Similar data
helps animators work to show motion that is realistic.
Learning Intentions:
The learning intention for this lesson is to describe simple
movements in a precise way.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to define and give
examples of the terms:





scalar
vector
distance
displacement
time
You will demonstrate your knowledge by determining and
calculating distance, displacement and time in a lab exercise.
Work on it:
There are two types of quantities that we use to measure:
vectors and scalars.
Scalars are quantities that represent only magnitude. For
example: 40 km/h, 5 cm, and 15 seconds.
Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction.
For example: 40 km/h north, 5 m right, and 30 m down.
Note that direction is shown by the terms north, west and
down.
We can show a positive direction by using north, east or
up, and we can show a negative direction using south,
west or down.
Distance (d) is a scalar quantity; it represents the length of the
path taken between two points. We usually measure distance in
metres, m. We need to remember that the path is NOT always
a straight line. For instance, a cat might take a curved or zigzag
path through a yard while on the way from one side to the other.
Position (d) is a vector quantity; it describes where an object is
compared to a reference point. The reference point can be the
starting point, or an origin such as in a graph.
Displacement (∆d) is the straight line distance (and direction)
from the starting to the final position.
It can be calculated by subtracting: final position minus initial
position. The formula is:
∆d = df – di
(the triangle is the Greek letter delta, which means “change in”).
Time (t) is a scalar quantity, usually measured in seconds (s). A
time interval, ∆t, is also a scalar.
It can be calculated by subtracting: final time minus initial time.
The formula is:
∆t = tf – ti
Now let’s try a few questions; try to think of the answer, then
click on the box to check.
1. A runner runs up the street 200m to a stop sign, then turns
around and runs 100m back towards his starting point.
What distance did he run?
200+100 = 300m
2. What is the runner’s position, relative to his starting point,
when he reaches the stop sign?
+200m
The sign is positive because he ran up
the street
3. What is the runner’s position when he reaches the end of his
run?
100m, because he is 100m from his
starting point, which is the reference
point in this example.
4. What is the runner’s displacement at the end of the run?
∆d = df – di so:
∆d = 100 – 0 = 100m
Show it
Next, load or print the page called Moving Man Lab Data Sheet,
then follow the instructions below:
The Moving Man Lab
Position, Distance, Displacement, and Time Activity
The purpose of this activity is to develop an understanding of the concepts of
position, distance, displacement, and time interval.
Procedure:
1. Go to the "Phet" website at:
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man
2. Click "Download" or "Run Now" to load the Moving Man program.
3. Place the man at the -5.00m position by typing -5.00 in the position box. Enter
1.00 in the velocity box. Set the man in motion and stop him as close to the 8.00m
mark as possible.
5. Set the velocity to -1.00 and start the motion again. Stop the man once he is at
the -8.00m.
6. Set the velocity to 2.00, start the man in motion and stop him at the 6.00m
location.
7. Finally set the velocity at -0.5, start the motion and stop the man at the zero
location.
8. After each stop determine the man's:
1. current position (where he is relation to the origin reference point).
2. displacement (the change in position).
3. change in time.
4. the distance the man moved in this time interval (the length of the path
taken).
9. Record your values in the table on the lab data sheet, then answer the questions
following the table.
The Moving Man Lab Data Sheet
Position (d)
Displacement
(Δd)
Change in time
Distance (d)
Initial setup
-5.00m
0m
0s
0m
Stop #
Where is he in
relation to the
origin reference
point?
Final position initial position.
Δd = df -di
Final time - initial
time.
Δ t = tf - ti
Length of the
path taken.
1.
Example:
8.00m
8.00m - -5.00m =
13.0s - 0s = 13.0s
13.00m
2.
3.
4.
Note: the arrow (
Questions:
) above a symbol indicates a vector quantity.
1. What is the distance for the entire motion of the man?
_________
2. What is the displacement for the entire motion of the man?
________
13.00m
3. What is the displacement between the initial position and the last
stop? _______
4. How is the position determined?
5. What distance did the man travel between the first and last
stop? ____
6. What is the reference point for this activity?
Now post your answers to the dropbox named “Moving Man Lab”.