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This interactive simulation lets learners move an object on the screen and view the resulting graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration. It was developed to help beginners explore why the graphs follow predictable patterns. Set initial conditions and view the graphs simultaneously as the "Moving Man" changes position. You can also program the motion by entering an equation for the position as a function of time and play it back in slow motion or at real speed.
The resource provides sample learning goals as well as user-submitted lesson plans and activities for student groups ranging from the middle grades through high school. This page is part of the PhET collection of free simulations for science education, many of which have been classroom tested. Please note that this resource requires at least version 1.4, Java WebStart of Java. Additional context for this material is provided by the ComPADRE-SERC Pedagogic Service. Editor's Note: We like the versatility of this resource, but middle school students may be distracted by all the moving displays onscreen. By removing the acceleration vs. time graph, the activity can be more easily adapted for first-time users in 8th-9th grade physical science classrooms.
Cute, but...
Author: Jennifer Broekman It's very difficult to create a smooth position-time graph, so the acceleration-time graph is wild. Consequently, the acceleration vector becomes a distractor, rather than effectively illustrating what acceleration does.
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Post a new comment on this item AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)4. The Physical Setting
4F. Motion
9. The Mathematical World
9B. Symbolic Relationships
11. Common Themes
11B. Models
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics AlignmentsStandards for Mathematical Practice (K-12)
MP.4 Model with mathematics.
Expressions and Equations (6-8)
Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between
dependent and independent variables. (6)
Functions (8)
Define, evaluate, and compare functions. (8)
Use functions to model relationships between quantities. (8)
High School — Functions (9-12)
Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models? (9-12)
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: Kinematics: The Physics of Motion
Unit Title: Graphing Maneuver a simulated man and watch simultaneous graphs of his position, velocity, and acceleration. For beginning learners, the acceleration graph may be closed. Try teaming this simulation with the great companion lessons by PhET teacher-fellows, found under "Lesson Plans" above. Highly versatile resource; adaptable to a broad spectrum of abilities/levels. Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=3226">PhET. PhET Simulation: The Moving Man. Boulder: PhET, March 22, 2005.</a>
AIP Format
(PhET, Boulder, 2001), WWW Document, (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man).
AJP/PRST-PER
PhET Simulation: The Moving Man (PhET, Boulder, 2001), <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man>.
APA Format
PhET Simulation: The Moving Man. (2005, March 22). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from PhET: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man
Chicago Format
PhET. PhET Simulation: The Moving Man. Boulder: PhET, March 22, 2005. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man (accessed 5 December 2024).
MLA Format
PhET Simulation: The Moving Man. Boulder: PhET, 2001. 22 Mar. 2005. 5 Dec. 2024 <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{
Title = {PhET Simulation: The Moving Man},
Publisher = {PhET},
Volume = {2024},
Number = {5 December 2024},
Month = {March 22, 2005},
Year = {2001}
}
Refer Export Format
%T PhET Simulation: The Moving Man %D March 22, 2005 %I PhET %C Boulder %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man %O application/java
EndNote Export Format
%0 Electronic Source %D March 22, 2005 %T PhET Simulation: The Moving Man %I PhET %V 2024 %N 5 December 2024 %8 March 22, 2005 %9 application/java %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 16 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. PhET Simulation: The Moving Man:
Covers the Same Topic As
Science House: Motion and Graphing
The Motion and Graphing activity provides a laboratory experience similar to The Moving Man virtual experiments. relation by Bruce Mason
Covers the Same Topic As
Tracker Video Analysis
The Tracker Video Analysis program allows students to analyze videos of motion experiments. relation by Bruce Mason
Is Supplemented By
Student Difficulties in Physics Information Center
An annotated list of documented student misconceptions related to the topics of motion and forces. Contains probative questions to elicit and address the misconceptions. relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies
PhET Teacher Ideas & Activities: Moving Man
A PhET Gold Star winning inquiry-based lesson for use in high school physics classes. It was developed specifically for use with The Moving Man simulation. relation by Caroline HallKnow of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
SupplementsContributeRelated Materials
Covers the Same Topic As
Science House: Motion and Graphing Covers the Same Topic As Is Supplemented BySimilar MaterialsPhET Simulation: The Moving Man PhET Simulation: Forces and Motion PhET Teacher Activities: Moving Man - Velocity vs. Time Graphs Featured By
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