Lesson 3: Vectors and translations
Prerequisite knowledge
Students should be introduced to the idea of a translation - this could be as simple as moving a chair in a straight line or thinking of things that move in straight lines in the real world.
Resources
- Vector notation - intro to translations PowerPoint;
- Translations presentation PowerPoint;
- Translations presentation support sheet;
- Translations worksheet;
- Tracing paper;
- Mini whiteboards.
Content
Open the Vector notation - intro to translations PowerPoint on the interactive whiteboard (IWB), and talk through the first 3 slides. On the final slide students have to match the column vector up with the arrow. Students should write their answers on mini whiteboards. Clicking the mouse moves the correct vector over to the arrow it represents.
Open the Translations presentation on the IWB. Ask the students to try and visualise how the shapes will translate and what letter they will form. If you feel it is necessary, provide students with the Translations presentation support sheet to work on in pairs.
Go through the answers on the board by clicking the mouse. The PowerPoint emphasises the fact all points are moved exactly the same distance in the same direction.
The last slide shows the worksheet they will be working on and how one of the translations works. Switch on your IWB transparent sheet to write over the slide and do as many extra translations as you feel is necessary.
Hand out the Translations worksheet.
Students work on their worksheet. If done correctly all the shapes fit together to form the words MOVE IT. Keep an eye out for students who have made obvious mistakes. Do not let them colour in until they have finished it and you have checked it (the advantage of this is it takes only a moment to check they have done it correctly).
At the end of the lesson, tell students what the words should be. They can finish the worksheet for homework and colour it in should they wish to. These make nice display work but don’t put them up until you have done them with all your classes otherwise they will be far too tempted to copy.