Notes:
The Two-Dimensional Motion Simulator is an adjustable-size file that displays nicely on tablets such as the iPad, on Chromebooks, and on laptops and desktops. The size of the Interactive can be scaled to fit the device that it is displayed on. While it works on smartphones, the screen size is a bit prohibitive given the density of information that is contained in the Simulator; we recommend a larger screen. The compatibility with iPads, other tablets, and Chromebooks make it a perfect tool for use in a 1:1 classroom.
Teaching Ideas and Suggestions:
This Interactive makes for an excellent bridge between the Riverboat Simulator and the Projectile Simulator. The Riverboat Simulator and accompanying Student Exercise page emphasizes the independence of perpendicular components of motion. The Two Dimensional Motion Simulator allows a learner to observe two independent motions in the x- and the y-directions. Users manipulate values of the initial X- and Y-positions, the initial X- and Y-velocities, and the X- and Y-acceleration. Upon tapping the Green Play arrow, the animation runs and the object moves with the specified motion.
A number of Display options are available. These include vector and vector component displays, a trace of the objects motion (dot diagram), and a position marker that uses a hash lines drawn perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical axis. The radio buttons in the top right of the simulation can be used to enable or disable these Display options.
We currently do not have a Student Exercise for this simulation. But the simulation is accompanied by a large collection of Challenges. Each Challenge requires that students select a set of x- and y-motion parameters to cause the object (or objects) to move in a specified manner. The Challenges are organized into eight different levels of difficulty with mutliple challenges at each level. Feedback is given and a scoring system is employed to display student progress. The scoring system includes deductions for incorrect attempts. We highly recommend use of the Challenges.
Related Resources
There are numerous resources at The Physics Classroom website that serve as very complementary supports for the Riverboat Simulator Interactive. These include:
- Minds On Physics Internet Modules:
The Minds On Physics Internet Modules include a collection of interactive questioning modules that help learners assess their understanding of physics concepts and solidify those understandings by answering questions that require higher-order thinking. Assignment VP6 of the Vectors and Projectiles module provide great complements to this Interactive. They are best used in the middle to later stages of the learning cycle. Visit the Minds On Physics Internet Modules.
- Curriculum/Practice: There is a single Concept Development think-sheet at the Curriculum Corner that would be very useful in assisting students in cultivating their understanding. It is named
Relative Velocity and Riverboat Problems
Visit the Curriculum Corner.
Additional resources and ideas for incorporating the Riverboat Simulator into an instructional unit on Vectors and Projectiles can be found at the
Teacher Toolkits section of The Physics Classroom website. The Vectors Toolkit provides some exceptional support from various websites found on the Internet. Visit
Teacher Toolkits.
Credits
We owe a special thanks to Physics teacher Martin Kirby for contributing the
Two-Dimensional Motion Simulator to our Interactives collection. Martin has contributed many other simulations to our Interactives collection. You can view them all by visiting our page listing all
Martin Kirby Simulations. Or visit Martin's website (
kirbyx.com) to learn more.