Kinematics is that branch of physics which involves the description of motion, without examining the forces which produce the motion. Dynamics, on the other hand, involves an examination of both a description of motion and the forces which produce it. An understanding of kinematics and dynamics is essential in physics.
One dimensional kinematics involves motion in a straight line. This is the simplest case. The direction an object can move is limited. Vector quantities are introduced. Distinctions between vectors and scalars need to be made.
Kinematics in more than one dimension is also considered in Physics 30. Students should be able to apply concepts of kinematics and dynamics in at least two dimensions. Kinematics and dynamics in three dimen- sions may be developed at the discretion of the teacher, based on the needs and abilities of the students.
The main emphasis in section F should be placed on developing an understanding of Newton's laws of motion. Many applications and practical examples of Newton's laws should be used to reinforce the main concepts.
"Time is a critical factor in developing understanding. There should be enough time within lessons for the inconsistencies illustrated by a new experimental result to register. We must provide the time students need for mental restructuring. Hurrying on to the next lesson or the next topic does not allow for sufficient reflection on the implications of the present lesson. We have found that physics teachers typically spend one to three days developing Newton's laws and the remainder of a two-to- three-week unit doing exercises to practice them. When about five days were spent carefully developing the ideas, and even though students didn't get as much practice in manipulating equations, their understanding of the critical ideas at the end of the first or second semester was< significantly better, both statistically and educationally. With more careful and extensive development time, more than twice as many students are able to answer difficult conceptual questions."*
Factors of Scientific Literacy to be Emphasized
In this unit students will increase their abilities to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of using a systematic, organized, logical, and structured approach towards solving kinematics problems in physics.
Perform activities to collect and analyze data on objects in motion.
Make reasonable numerical estimates when solving problems.
Participate in group discussions and work cooperatively with others.
Transfer an understanding of kinematics to familiar experiences and practical applications.
Assess technological developments for their appropriateness, economic benefits, health issues, and their impact on the environment.
Conduct risk analysis to explore the impact of technology on society and on the environment.
Use a wide range of possibilities for developing their knowledge of the major concepts within physics. (COM)
Develop an understanding of how knowledge is obtained, evaluated, refined and changed within physics. (CCT)
Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of how to compute, measure, estimate and interpret mathematical data, when to apply these skills and techniques, and why these processes apply within the particular framework of physics. (NUM)
Access knowledge. (IL)