Introduction
Winter Break is almost here! Wouldn't it be great to go to a warm sandy beach! Well now you can (at least in the virtual world). You are going to plan a trip to your favorite destination while exploring vector operations.
Task
During this webquest you are going to explore how flight paths and wind speeds model vector operations. You will research flights and airplane speeds and use your knowldege of vectors to approximate your travel time and estimate how the wind will affect your trip.
Process
Step 1: First, choose where you would like to go. You may choose anywhere in the U.S. (no international flights, sorry). Find a flight leaving during the time period of winter break. You must choose a departure and a return flight.Next find the type of plane you are taking and research to find average flight speeds for that type of plane.For example a Boeing 757 might have an average speed of 700 mph.
Step 2: Choose a direction for your flight. You may choose from the following 40 degrees, 110 degrees, 200 degrees, or 335 degrees. Your direction should reflect the general direction of the destination you chose.
Step 3: Wind Speed. Reserch the predicted wind speed for your flight dates. YOU MUST SUBTRACT THE ANGLE FROM 90 DEGREES!!!
Step 4: Find the speed and direction of the new path of your plane. Calculate how long it will take you to reach your destination and to fly back to Atlanta.
*You must model the vector operations for each flight. Write a summary of each step in a paper or create a powerpoint, prezi, or poster displaying your process. ALL WORK must be included!
Resources:
1) flight information: www.delta.com
2) wind speeds: http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi
Evaluation
| Beginning | Developing | Accomplished | Exemplary | |
|
Completeness |
The assignment is missing one or more of the three main parts. |
Not all questions completed and/or missing vectors. |
All parts are completed, but may include incomplete responses,thoughts, or ideas. |
All responses give a thorough explanation. Answers & responses are thoughtful and complete. |
| Use of Vector Operations | No correct vectors and /or no correct results. |
Wrong vectors used in at least one of the problems and/or several computational mistakes. |
Although incorrect, the appropriate vectors are used for each problem and/or minor computational mistakes. | Correct equations are used for each problem. All work is done correctly. |
Conclusion
Your finished product should display a clear understaning of vectors and how to model vector operations. As a final piece of your presentation, please identify at least two other ways vectors can be used in the real world.