Scalars are quantities that are fully described by a magnitude (or numerical value) alone.
Vectors are quantities that are fully described by both a magnitude (or numerical value) and a direction. For example, 

• 15 m is a scalar; there is no direction listed for it.
• 300 m/sec, East is a vector; a direction is listed for it.
• 5 mile, North is a vector; a direction is listed for it.