Vector Dancing

Moves you never knew you had! Dancing Vectors introduces the idea of vectors as units of movement using the analogy of a dance routine! Each move from the routine is defined by a displacement vector (embellished a little for fun). Practice and perform a dance routine to music based on the instructions given as vectors that tell you how far to move and in which direction. Then use the analogy to help solve vector problems!

There are four dance moves: Vector a: jump. Vector b: slide.  Vector c: diagonal reach.  Vector d: diagonal twist.

This activity can be a little heavy on preparation but it is worth it! Not only is it a lot of fun but it is really powerful way of understanding the concept. There are a few things needed to make this activity really work.  The combinations are ‘Introduction’, ‘Verse’ and ‘Chorus’ and these are practiced individually before being combined. This is then done to music ‘Hot Stuff’ Donna Summer.  The introduction uses only a and b, the verse introduces a different combination with some negatives and the chorus uses c and d.  

There is much more on the website: http://www.teachmaths-inthinking.co.uk/activities/dancing-vectors.htm