PROJECT: VECTORS IN MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS

Užupis High School in Vilnius

The project carried out by: the pupils of the class 3g (11)

Guided by: DAIVA KAVOLIŪNIENĖ, a mathematics teacher,

LINA TAMOŠIŪNIENĖ, a physics teacher, and

JOLANTA NAVICKAITĖ, an information science teacher

Objectives:

1. Systemising of knowledge acquired in the topic “Vectors” and improving skills of solving problems in mathematics,
2. Application of vectors in physics,
3. Developing of the imagination, demonstrating connections between mathematics and physics and application in real-world situations,
4. Use of information and communication technologies in preparation and presentation of the project.

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Mathematical theory of vectors
3. Problems in mathematics with examples of the application of vectors
4. The role of vectors in physics
5. Problems in mathematics and in physics with examples of the application of vectors (motion, forces)
6. Conclusions

Mathematics and physics are two sciences that have a lot in common. One of the common elements are vectors, reflecting connections between these sciences, between the theory and the practice, between calculations and real life. When carrying out the project, the pupils systemised the theory of vectors, presented problems with solutions both in mathematics and physics. We focused our attention to problems dealing with one-directional motion and motion in opposite directions, and to problems in force projections. The project was aimed at highlighting of common elements in both physics and mathematics, and also at demonstrating of a logical sequence in which first goes the theory followed by the practice. We intend to employ this work as an educational support in revising the subject matter: “Vectors”.

The pupils presented their project at Užupis High School and at Vilnius Pupils’ Conference held in John-Paul High School.