The Distance Between Two Points - Star Trek

Highlights of the activity

1. This kinesthetic activity is designed to introduce students to the geometric meaning of $|\Vec r - \Vec r'|$.
2. Two students are asked to assume the roles of Kirk and Spock while the rest of the class must find a way to geometrically calculate the distance between the two Enterprise officers.
3. The whole class discussion focuses on what the geometric meaning of $|\Vec r - \Vec r'|$ and why it is essential to have an agreed upon origin.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

Students have a ton of trouble understanding the geometry of $|\Vec r - \Vec r'|$. We use this activity to help them think through the meaning. It's also a wonderful activity for breaking down barriers about what students believe about what will be happening in the classroom.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version