Resolving Forces Vector Treasure Map

Introduction to forces as vectors using a treasure map suitable for the 2016 onwards GCSE Science curriculum.

Activity has a treasure map and instructions allowing students to see no matter the size or direction of a force, they can be 'cancelled' down to show the net resultant force and direction.

Answers students should get (Vectors). Measured distances will vary depending on print size.
Answer Sheet Included but for reference:

2,1
1,-1
2,3
-6,-1
2,1

When adding the horizontal components the total should = 1
When adding the vertical components the total should = 3

(1,3) = the same vector from the castle to the church which is the minimum distance they could have traveled.

For extra practice, you could have the students measure the angles and re-draw just the force arrows 'tip-to-tail' and then they will end up with an accurate direction and size of arrow between the start point and the church... they can check the accuracy by measuring against the measurements from the map.

Treasure map image from the University of Cambridge NRICH Mathematics project

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