The Vertical Jump

This activity was delivered at  ICTMT10 in Portsmouth.  "Enhancing Mathematics Education Through Technology"

The paper has been uploaded below but is available on the ICTMT10 website.

Attendance

The 10th International Conference on Technology in Mathematics Teaching took place from Tuesday July 5th to Friday July 8th 2011 at the University of Portsmouth on the South coast of England. 162 registered delegates from 27 different countries and 20 University of Portsmouth student ambassadors took part in the academic proceedings. Well over 300 people attended the invited Bloodhound lecture given by Richard Noble.

Keynote Speakers

Prof Richard Noss (University of London)

Prof Paul Drijvers (Utrecht University)

Prof Colette Laborde (University of Grenoble)

Colin White (University of Portsmouth)

Abstract:

Students at secondary school rarely encounter motion graphs beyond displacement or velocity against time. Yet in order to understand Newton’s third law it is useful to be able to graph force against time. This is relatively straightforward using any datalogging system. Most students, and teachers, have a limited understanding of the third law which if not rectified causes problems for the further study of dynamics. Force, and consequently impulse, is an abstract quantity which deserves more attention within the curriculum. As J W Warren writes, "it [force] has long been regarded as a simple concept…and insufficient consideration has been given to ensuring that it is taught correctly." Using modern digital technologies it is now possible to address the problem in a new way. This is practitioner material supported by anecdotal evidence, food for research.

Force against time for a vertical jump