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The Open Source Physics Project is supported by NSF DUE-0442581.

Computational Resources for Teaching

The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. Computational physics and computer modeling provide students with new ways to understand, describe, explain, and predict physical phenomena.

Simulations

OSP Simulations are compiled programs on specific topics. The models can be used for concept building, exploring physical systems that are not accessible otherwise, or as a basis for other student exercises.

Browse simulations

Featured Simulation

Featured OSP Resource

QM Wigner Program
The QM Wigner program displays the position-space wave function and the associated quasi phase space probability distribution using the Wigner function.
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Curriculum

OSP Curriculum packages combine computer simulations with tutorial materials and student worksheets. Packages can be modified to meet the needs of faculty and students

Browse curriculum resources by topic and learn how to customize packages

Featured Curriculum

Featured OSP Resource

Spins Package
The Spins package is a self-contained file for the teaching of measurement and time evolution of spin-1/2 systems in quantum mechanics.  The material focuses on single and multiple measurements of different ensembles of identically prepared spin-1/2 particles.
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EJS Modeling

Student modeling, the guided exploration of physical systems and concepts, is a powerful approach to engaged learning. Easy Java Simulations provides the computational tools for students and faculty to explore physics without the need for learning details of java programming.

Learn more about EJS

Featured EJS Model

Featured OSP Resource

Ejs Normal Modes on a Loaded String Model
The Ejs Normal Modes on a Loaded String model displays the motion of a light string under tension between two fixed points.  The string is also loaded with N masses located at regular intervals.  The number of masses on the string can be changed via textboxes.
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Programming

Open Source Physics provides an extensive resources for computational physics and physics simulations. Included are:

  • An Eclipse environment for OSP
  • OSP Source Code Libraries
  • OSP best practices
  • Documentation

Access programming resources

Tools

OSP provides several general applications for physics teaching, student activities, and curriculum distribution. These are:

Upcoming OSP Events

Teaching with Interactive Simulations
Presentation: Physics Day at NSTA
Charlotte Area NSTA Conference
Charlotte, NC
October 31, 2008

Interactive Computer-based Models and the Internet
Presentation: An outline of the pedagogical and technical features of Physlet- and OSP-based materials. Raleigh NC.
Nov 1, 2008.

Teaching and Modeling using Physlets and OSP
Presentation: Workshop for New Physics and Astronomy Faculty
ACP, College Park, Md
November 6-9, 2008

Supercomputing 08 Education Program
Easy Java Simulations workshop is part of the Supercomputing 08 Education Program in Austin TX,
November 16, 2008.

Introduction to EJS Modeling
Workshop: American Association of Physics Teachers Meeting
Chicago, IL
February 13, 2009

Event archive

OSP News

Demonstration for the Static Ladder Problem
Article: The Physics Teacher

News archive

Latest OSP Materials

Oct 10 STP Random Walk 2D SAW Program
Oct 10 STP Central Limit Theorem Program
Oct 10 STP Approach To Equilibrium Program
Oct 10 STP MD Approach To Equilibrium Three Partitions Program

Recent Discussions

Sep 10 - 8:52 PM EST
joe joh posted Visual thinking and A... to the Integration with 3dsm... thread.