Activity: Distance vs Displacement vectors

Link to Distance vs Displacement Lab Activity

 Early in physics classes, in mechanics, we often get into the topics of distance and displacement, or speed and velocity. These are issues of scalar vs vector. 

To demonstrate the differences between scalars and vectors, and specifically distance-displacement (and you can include speed-velocity, too), this mapping activity is useful for students since it actively gets them walking on paths that will clearly distinguish the differences between distance-displacement and even speed-velocity, if the teachers chooses. 

The only equipment needed is some sort of ruler or meter stick, ideally graph paper (or just paper), and if you want to include speed and velocity you will need some type of clock or timer.