C5: Graphs & Tracks

A. INTRODUCTION

Graphs & Tracks is a goal-oriented program that makes learning about graphs of motion an enjoyable activity. Students learn about graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration, and explore the connection between animated motions and graphs. This software package simulates a ball rolling on an inclined track. Students may either attempt to match the motion of a ball on a track to a set of graphs by adjusting initial position and velocity, or attempt to create a set of graphs that characterize the pre-determined motion of a ball. In either event, students learn the connections between motion and the representation of that motion on graphs. Teachers can either create original problems, or use any of a number of available options. There are interactive instructions on using the program, and on-line help about graphs and motion.

B. PROCEDURE

1. Obtain the program disk and user's manual from your course instructor, or identify the computer with the Graphs & Tracks program on it with the assistance of the course instructor.
2. Read through the user's manual as necessary to get a good understanding of the workings of the program.
3. Experiment with Part I -- "From Graphs to Motion" and with Part II -- "From Motion to Graphs" of the Graphs & Tracks software. Learn the program (and the requisite physics!) to such a degree that you can logically (e.g. not through trial and error) deduce the nature of the motion from the graph and visa versa.

C. EVALUATION

Meet with your course instructor for a demonstration interview. Be prepared to explain the nature and possible use of the software in a classroom teaching situation. The instructor may give you a set of situations to interpret, and you should be able to do so without having to resort to trial and error.

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