Purpose
This pathfinder is designed for the year 11 Mathematics Extension 1 course syllabus outcome '14.3 E. applications of calculus to the physical world' and the topic 'projectile motion'. The online resources link to specific Mathematics Extension 1 syllabus content that contains information that will help students analyze and help assimilate the new mathematical knowledge to obtain a deeper conceptual understanding of the conditions of parabolic flight. There are useful print and reference sources for students to obtain a sound preliminary overview of the conditions and scientific principles of parabolic flight. The information contained in this pathfinder can by used for teachers or students. A task statement and rubric has been omitted from this website but it can be designed by teachers for their specific class requirements and included in the website or given to students as a separate handout.
General Capabilities
Literacy
- Develop skills and dispositions to interpret information.
- Use language confidently for learning and communicating in and out of school and to participate effectively in society.
- Listening to, reading, viewing, speaking and writing.
- Create oral, print, visual and digital texts.
- Modify language for different purposes in a range of contexts.
Numeracy
- Develop the knowledge and skills to use mathematics confidently across all learning areas at school and in their lives.
- Recognize and understand the role of mathematics in the world.
- Possess dispositions and capabilities to use mathematical knowledge and skills purposefully.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability
- Learn to use Information and communication technology (ICT) effectively.
- Access appropriate online and library resources.
- Create and communicate information and ideas.
- Solve problems and work collaboratively in school, in their lives and beyond school.
- Adapt to new ways of doing things as technology evolves.
Content Outcomes
New South Wales Board of Studies Syllabus - Mathematics Extension 1
14.3 E. Application of calculus in the physical world - The Motion of a Projectile.
- Understanding initial and trajectory conditions of motion in respect to displacement velocity and acceleration as the object is projected vertically upwards.
- Derive parametric representation of the 'flight parabola'.
- Derive Cartesian equations of the 'flight parabola'.
- Derive maximum range on the horizontal plane.