ALEX Learning Activity

In this learning activity, students will apply the knowledge they gained on how to find the components of a vector by subtracting the coordinates of an initial point from the coordinates of a terminal point in order to prove they understand the learning objective. The students will work on this learning activity individually.  This learning activity can be used as a stand-alone activity or an After Activity, the Before and During activities can be found in the Notes or Recommendations section.

Procedure

1. Introduction (5 minutes, whole group)
The teacher will review the component form of a vector: (The teacher can skip this step if he/she used the Before Activity and/or During Activity.)

• Remind the students that the component form of a vector is given as < x, y >, where x describes how far right or left a vector is going and y describes how far up or down a vector is going.

• Given a vector’s initial point (where it starts), (x₁, y₁), and terminal point (where it ends), (x₂, y₂) the component form can be found by subtracting the coordinates of each point: < x₂ – x₁, y₂ – y₁ >

2. Assignment (20 minutes, individual activity)

• After the students have proven they understand how to find the components of a vector by subtracting the coordinates of an initial point from the coordinates of a terminal point, the teacher will instruct the students to complete the Components of a Vector by Subtracting Practice.

3. Conclusion (10 minutes, whole group)

• At the end of class, the teacher will bring the students back to a whole-group discussion to determine any problems they faced finding the components of a vector by subtracting the coordinates of an initial point from the coordinates of a terminal point.

The teacher will walk around the room as the students answer the questions on the Components of a Vector by Subtracting Practice and taking up the practice as an assessment.

• Students should already be familiar with finding the coordinates of a point on a coordinate plane.
• The teacher should review the assignment prior to the lesson.
• The teacher will need to decide on how he/she will assign problems digitally to check for understanding.
• Each student will need access to a digital device, such as a tablet, iPad, or laptop. 

• For students who struggle with this activity, the teacher should provide a work buddy.
• For students who excel at this activity, the teacher could assign additional problems he/she has access to assigning.

This activity can stand alone or be used as an After/Explain/Elaborate activity for the following learning activities:

Using Initial and Terminal Points to Find the Components of a Vector Represented Graphically (Before Activity)

Vector Components from Initial and Terminal Points (During Activity)