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Forces in Two Dimensions - Lesson Plans

The lesson plans below include links to the specific resources on our website.

Teacher Guides for labs can be found here.

NOTE: All CalcPad problem sets are customized problem sets created specifically for this course. The links direct users to the Guest version. Task Tracker users should use the link on the Task Tracker page to the trackable CalcPad version.  

 

Day 1 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Introduce unit: what happens when a force is NOT directly up, down, right, or left?
  2. Pair Practice: Another Angle on F-m-a Think Sheet
  3. Review vector addition and resolution
  4. Guided/Individual Practice: Adding and Resolving Forces Think Sheet
  5. Physics Interactives: Balance It!
    Do 2 levels from the first and the second rows
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Parts a and b
  2. Minds On Physics: Mission F2D1 on Vector Components


 

Day 2 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Discuss equilibrium concept; do a sample equilibrium analysis; use Using Vector Components to Analyze Equilibrium SituationsThink Sheet
  2. Lab 1: Getting Hung up by Tension
  3. Physics Interactives: Balance It!
    Do 2 levels from the third and the fourth rows
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Part c
  2. Minds On Physics: Mission F2D3 on Equilibrium Concepts


 

Day 3 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Problem-solving examples: Forces in 2D Problems Think Sheet (#1-3)
  2. Lab 2: Sign Hanging Lab
  3. Physics Interactives: Balance It! (do 2 levels from all five rows)
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 1 on Equilibrium Analysis
  2. If not done in class, complete Physics Interactives: Balance It!


 

Day 4 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Discuss angled forces causing acceleration on horizontal surfaces
    Use the Using Vector Components to Analyze Accelerations along Level Surfaces Think Sheet
  2. Physics Interactives: Go For the Gold (do selected levels; descriptions in Teacher Notes)
  3. If time allows, start Concept Builder: Solve It with Fnet = m•a and Vectors (Apprentice Level)
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Part d
  2. Concept Builder: Solve It with Fnet = m•a and Vectors (Apprentice Level)


 

Day 5 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Discuss angled forces causing acceleration on horizontal surfaces
    Problem-solving examples: Forces in 2D Problems Think Sheet (#4-5)
  2. Concept Builder: Solve It with Fnet = m•a and Vectors (Master and Wizard Level)
  3. In time that remains, start CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 2 on Fnet = m•a with Angled Forces
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 2 on Fnet = m•a with Angled Forces
  2. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Part e


 

Day 6 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Lab 3: Inclined Plane Lab
    Do and post-lab; use Mathematical Derivation of Inclined Plane Equations.
  2. Discuss Inclined Planes; use Inclined Plane Analysis Think Sheet
  3. As time allows, do Minds On Physics: Mission F2D5 on Inclined Plane Concepts
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Complete Minds On Physics: Mission F2D5 on Inclined Plane Concepts
  2. Concept Builder: Solve It! Inclined Planes (Apprentice and Master Levels)


 

Day 7 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. Inclined Plane example problems: Forces in 2D Problems Think Sheet (selected Qs from #6-10)
  2. Lab 4: On a Roll Challenge Lab
  3. Concept Builder: Solve It! Inclined Planes (Wizard Level)
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 3 on Inclined Planes
  2. If not done in class, finish Solve It! Inclined Planes


 

Day 8 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. More Inclined Plane example problems: Forces in 2D Problems Think Sheet (selected Qs from #6-10)
  2. Concept Builder: Free-Body Diagrams for Inclined Planes
  3. Discuss Two-Body Problems with Pulleys; use Two-Body Problems Involving Pulleys Think Sheet (do #1-2)
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors - Motion and Forces in 2D: Lesson 3, Part f
  2. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 4 on Inclined Planes


 

Day 9 of Forces in Two Dimensions

Lesson Plan
  1. More practice: Two-Body Problems Involving Pulleys Think Sheet (do #3-4)
  2. Lab 5: Modified Atwood's Machine
  3. If time allows, start CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 5 on Two-Body Problems
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad: Forces in 2-Dimensions 5 on Two-Body Problems
  2. Prepare for tomorrow's test
  3. Complete all unfinished work