Category Archives: Kinematics

February 23, 2012   A-level Units, Fun Science, Kinematics

Reaction Meter

This is a simple tool created for my JC1 students as they begin to learn about kinematics. It's designed based on the equation s = ut +\frac{1}{2}at^2. Feel free to print it out (on A4 sized paper that is at least 80 gsm).

What I tell my students to do is this:

1. Get a partner. One will release the card while the other will try to catch it with his fingers.
2. The releaser will place the card betweeen the catcher's thumb and index finger which should leave a small gap of about 2 cm.
3. Without any advance notic, the one holding the card will let go of the card.
4. The position where the catcher grips the card will indicate his reaction time. 

Email
Read More
January 20, 2012   A-level Units, Kinematics

Kinematics

Baseball about to go into projectile motion

When teaching students about kinematics at JC level, I noticed that students tend to find the following challenging:

A. understanding how kinematics equations are derived,
B. deciding on which of the kinematics equations to use,
C. movement in two-dimensions

Hence, I've prepared the following tips to assist them.
Email
Read More