Lesson 1
Scalars, Vectors, Distance, and Displacement
Distinguish scalar quantities from vectors, then compare the path traveled with the change in position from start to finish.
Kinematics
How this unit fits together
Mechanics is the area of physics that studies motion and connects that motion to forces and energy.
Kinematics focuses on describing and predicting how objects move without yet explaining the forces that cause the motion or make it change. Dynamics comes next and focuses on those causes; energy connects to both.
This unit builds the language and mathematical models used to describe position, distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration, uniformly accelerated motion, and free fall.
Lesson sequence
Work through Kinematics in order
Lesson 2
Speed, Velocity, Average, and Instantaneous Motion
Distinguish speed from velocity, compare average and instantaneous values, and use a one-lap track example to see why average speed can be nonzero while average velocity is zero.
Lesson 3
Acceleration: Changing Velocity and Direction
Distinguish acceleration from velocity, interpret positive and negative directions, and decide whether an object speeds up, slows down, stops, or reverses.
Lesson 4
Uniform Accelerated Motion (UAM) Equations
Learn when the constant-acceleration equations apply, how they are built from familiar rate equations, and how to choose the equation that matches the knowns and target.
Lesson 5
Uniform Accelerated Motion (UAM) Examples
Work through seven constant-acceleration examples using a consistent read, list, select, rearrange, substitute, solve, and check process, with careful attention to signs, units, and the meaning of each result.
Lesson 6
Free Fall
Predict free-fall motion using the gravity-only model, explain why mass does not change ideal free-fall acceleration, assign the sign of g, and distinguish velocity from acceleration during an upward toss.
Lesson 7
Free Fall Example Problems
Work through seven free-fall problems in teaching order using hidden knowns, consistent sign conventions, equation selection, units, and physical checks—including a careful distinction between ascent time and total airtime.
Lesson 8
Isolating Variables: A Physics Math Review
Rearrange physics equations symbolically by preserving equality, undoing operations in a useful order, respecting grouped terms, factoring repeated targets, and recognizing equivalent final forms.