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Idea Bank: Vector, Vector—That’s Our Cry!

The Science Teacher—April/May 2009

There are all kinds of computer-based software programs and websites available to help students understand and manipulate vector quantities. But if you have the time and want to do something different, this Idea Bank describes an easy, low-tech, and fun activity for teaching the “head-to-tail” method of combining vectors and the difference between “distance” and “displacement.” All you need for this activity are scissors, some envelopes, metersticks, and a football field.
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