Knowledge and Skills Statement
Students are taught to manipulate equations in Algebra I, SE 12.E: solve mathematic and scientific formulas, and other literal equations, for a specified variable. Depending on their proficiency in math, students may need additional support, such as examples and modeling, to be successful at manipulating equations.
The Pythagorean Theorem is taught in grade 8 math, SE 8.7.C: use the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse to solve problems.
Research
Mešic, Vanes, Sabaheta Mahmutovic, Elvedin Hasovic, and Nataša Erceg. "Free-Body Diagrams and Problem Solving in Mechanics: An Example of the Effectiveness of Self-Constructed Representations." European Journal of Physics Education 7, no. 3 (2016): 53-67.https://eu-journal.org/index.php/EJPE/article/view/147.
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated how the inclusion of free-body diagrams into problem statements influences students' performance in solving mechanics problems. It was found that the inclusion of free-body diagrams into the problem statements not only did not facilitate problem-solving but also impeded it significantly.
Research
R, L. C. (2018). On the deduction of Newton’s second law. Acta Mechanica, 229(5), 2287-2290.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00707-017-2074-2.
Summary: This research aims to describe the use of car toys with Videos (TwV) in introducing Kinematics. This research specifically also provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of using TwV in learning Physics.