New on the PSRC

Modeling Instruction Program: Curriculum Materials

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:13:50 EST

This collection of curriculum materials contains teacher notes, worksheets, and readings dealing with first-year physics concepts. Topic areas include mechanics, sound and waves, and electricity and magnetism. The materials were specifically aligned with teaching methodologies guided by Modeling Theory of Physics Instruction. This item is part of a larger collection of resources and pedagogic materials developed by the Modeling Instruction project at Arizona State University.

Circular Well Superposition Model

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:59:00 EST

The Circular Well Superposition simulation displays the time evolution of the position-space wave function in an infinite 2D circular well. The default configuration shows the first excited state with zero angular momentum. Additional eigenstates can be added using a button in the eigenstate coefficient table. A description of the quantum system and eigenstates, with questions for the students, are included. Circular Well Superpostion Model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_qm_Superposition2DCircularWell.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Ejs is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Additional Open Source Physics programs for quantum mechanics are available. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or EJS.

Web Assignments: Harmonic Oscillator I

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:51:44 EST

This student activity uses a Java applet to show the relationship between simple harmonic motion and constant velocity circular motion. The applet is broken into three major parts. The first shows a particle undergoing circular motion at a constant rate. The second shows the same particle on a vertical spring. Finally, the third plots the time evolution of the system, resulting in a sine wave. Instructions for using the applet, which is in Spanish, are included. The applet includes several questions relating to the applet and the physics of harmonic motion. This is part of a larger collection of applet-based learning activities.This student activity uses a Java applet to show the relationship between simple harmonic motion and constant circular motion. The applet is broken into three major parts. The first shows a particle undergoing circular motion at a constant rate. The second shows the same particle on a vertical spring. Finally, the third plots the time evolution of the system -- the result is a sine wave. The amplitude, frequency, and initial phase of the harmonic motion can be changed by typing in new values in the "Amplitud", "Frequencia", and "Fase Inicial" text windows, respectively. To start the applet, press the "Empiaza" button. To pause the motion, press "Pausa," and to stop the applet press "Paso." The user is asked to answer several questions relating to the applet. This is part of a larger collection of applet-based learning activities.

PhET Simulation: Battery-Resistor Circuit

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:58:40 EST

This web page contains a simulation that allows users to explore a model of charge flow and resistance in a simple circuit. The resistance in the circuit and voltage of the battery can be adjusted. The resultant changes in the current, charge density, and heating of the resistor are shown. Simple schematics of the charge flow, collisions in the resistor, and electron density changes are used. Also included are instructional materials developed by the PhET project team specifically for use with this applet. This item is part of a larger collection of materials developed and maintained by the Physics Education Technology project (PhET) based on principles of physics education research.

Multiple Slit Diffraction Model

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:37:15 EST

The EJS Multiple Slit Diffraction model allows the user to simulate Fraunhofer diffraction through single or multiple slits. The user can modify the number of slits, the slit width, the slit separation and the wavelength of the incident light. The scale of the diffraction pattern can also be changed and a plot of the light intensity can be toggled on and off with a checkbox. A basic theoretical introduction to diffraction is included. The Multiple Slit Diffraction Model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_ntnu_optics_MultipleSlitDiffraction.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Ejs is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Additional Open Source Physics programs for quantum mechanics are available. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or EJS.

Electric Field for Point Charges

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:17:25 EST

This student activity uses a Java applet to show the electric field due to a point charge. The strength of the field can be measured at any coordinate in the x-y plane. The user is asked to calculate the magnitude of the charge, plot the strength of the field as a function of the radial distance from the charge, and compare this to Coulomb's Law This is part of a larger collection of applet-based learning activities.

Absorption in the Bohr Model

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:06:03 EST

This applet demonstrates light absorption in the Bohr model. An electron is shown orbiting a proton in the Bohr model for hydrogen in level 2. Full spectrum light is incident upon the atom. The user may change the final level of the electron between 3 and 6. After a short time, a photon of the appropriate wavelength is absorbed and the electron "jumps" to the chosen level. The absorption spectrum is shown. The user is asked to determine how the wavelength of the absorbed photon depends on the starting and ending orbital levels. This applet is based on Physlets, developed at Davidson College. It is part of a collection of similar applet-based exercises covering the topics in a standard introductory physics textbook.

Baton Throw Model

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:24:58 EST

The Ejs Baton Throw model displays a baton thrown up in the air about its center of mass. The baton is modeled by two masses separated by massless rigid rod. The path of the center of mass of the baton and one of the red masses are shown in black and red, respectively. The ratio of the two masses can be set via a slider and the initial velocity of the center of mass of the baton and the rotational velocity of the baton can be set via text boxes. The user can modify this simulation if Ejs is installed by right-clicking within the plot and selecting “Open Ejs Model” from the pop-up menu item. Ejs Baton Throw model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_mech_cm_BatonThrow.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Ejs is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Additional Ejs models for classical mechanics are available. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or Ejs.

Space Topics: Saturn, The Alphabet Soup of Saturn's Rings

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:46:03 EST

This web page is an introduction to Saturn's rings. It includes a brief history of their discovery, a description of the rings features, and an explanation of the rings composition. The site is illustrated with black and white and color images and a movie of the "spokes" in the B ring.

Rocket Car on an Inclined Plane Model

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:34:59 EST

The Ejs Rocket Car on an Inclined Plane model displays a car on an inclined plane. When the car reaches the bottom of the incline, it can be set to bounce (elastic collision) with the stop attached to the bottom of the incline. The car consists of the car body, two rotating front wheels, and two rotating rear wheels. The incline angle (in radians) can be changed via a textbox and the rocket’s thrust can be changed via a slider. In addition the car can be dragged to its initial position. An introduction to the simulation and questions for students are included. You can modify this simulation if you have Ejs installed by right-clicking within the plot and selecting “Open Ejs Model” from the pop-up menu item. Ejs Rocket Car on an Inclined Plane model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_mech_newton_RocketCarOnInclinedPlane.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Ejs is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Additional Ejs models for classical mechanics are available. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or Ejs.

Writing Exercises with Physlets: One Dimensional Motion with Constant Velocity 3

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:34:29 EST

This applet can be used as a self-paced student quiz on 1D motion. In this Physlet, the user observes one object moving with a constant velocity and then must write the equation of motion for a second object to match the first. The web page also contains the html and javascript code needed to create this page. This is part of a tutorial on writing web pages containing Physlets by Scott Bonham of Western Kentucky University.

Acadia University Physlets: Simple Harmonic Motion 2

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:18:11 EST

This applet demonstrates Simple Harmonic Motion. The motion of a mass on a vertical spring is shown with the spring moving horizontally to create a position vs. time graph. The y-coordinate of the ball is position and the X value is time. The user can adjust the spring constant (k) and observe the resultant change in motion. Other forces, such as gravity, drag, and friction have been removed. This is part of a larger collection of applets by Acadia University.

Smart Pendulum

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:01:16 EST

This is a Java simulation of the motion of a pendulum. The length of the pendulum is adjustable using a mouse. Users can also catch the swinging pendulum with the mouse to change the initial angle. There are other parameters such as gravity and viscosity that users can change to observe different results in this applet. At the bottom of the page, there is a brief description about the physics of the pendulum.

PhET Simulation: Faraday's Electromagnetic Lab

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:32:42 EST

This interactive simulation allows users to explore magnetic fields and Faraday's Law. Users can control settings such as magnet strength and position, and use either a compass or a magnetic field meter to measure the magnetic field components, total field, and angle. Faraday's Law is demonstrated through simulations of movable magnets and coils, AC and DC electro-magnets, transformers, and generators. This simulation is part of a large and growing collection. It has been designed using principles from physics education research and refined based on student interviews.

Coupled Oscillators and Normal Modes Model

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:22:27 EST

The Ejs Coupled Oscillators and Normal Modes model displays the motion of coupled oscillators, two masses connected by three springs. The initial position of the two masses, the spring constant of the three springs, the damping coefficient for each mass, and the driving force and driving force frequency for the left mass can be changed via text boxes. You can modify this simulation if you have Ejs installed by right-clicking within the plot and selecting “Open Ejs Model” from the pop-up menu item. Ejs Coupled Oscillators and Normal Modes model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_ehu_oscillations_normal.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Ejs is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Additional Ejs models for classical mechanics are available. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or Ejs.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:23:14 EST

This report of the State Educational Technology Directors Association addresses needs in STEM eduction. The report recommends that states and school districts should develop a strategic plan to implement STEM education for all kids beginning in kindergarten, and develop specific targets for achieving these goals. As part of this strategic plan, states and school districts need to demonstrate to the community, especially parents, that STEM education is necessary for all students. States and school districts can look to broad-based initiatives developed in others states and districts for guidance. In order to provide ALL students with a solid background in STEM, the report recommends: obtaining societal support for STEM education, exposing students to STEM careers, providing on-going and sustainable STEM professional development, providing STEM pre-service teacher training and recruiting, and retaining STEM teachers.

Quantiki

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:36:08 EST

Quantiki is a wiki created for the quantum information science research community. It includes news of recent advances in quantum information, introductory tutorials to key quantum theory concepts, a list of research groups in the field, and reference and instructional materials on quantum physics and quantum information. One of the efforts is the creation of an online "Handbook of Quantum Information."

Pauling Centenary Celebration

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:28:44 EST

Linus Pauling was an esteemed molecular chemist and two-time Nobel laureate. This Centenary Celebration site, honoring Pauling's 100th birthday in 2001, holds a collection of significant records from his life. The records include documents detailing his significant life events, scientific contributions, and peace promotion activities.

PhET Simulation: The Ramp

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:05:13 EST

In this simulation, students push common items of varying masses up an incline to explore the relationship of applied force, work, and energy. They control the angle of the ramp, friction, and amount of applied force. With a mouse click, they can also view detailed graphs of work and energy. This item is part of a larger collection of simulations developed by the Physics Education Technology project (PhET). The simulations are animated, interactive, and game-like environments.

Just-in-Time Teaching Digital Library

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:06:44 EST

This web database contains Just-in-Time Teaching materials from biology, chemistry, geoscience, mathematics, and physics. JiTT provides a framework for improving student preparation for classes and making classes and activities more responsive to students' needs. The database contains pre-class questions, essays, and other teaching resources. Suggestions for the context and usage of the questions are given. The materials can be searched and browsed by topic, resource type, and usage. Note that Internet Explorer is required for some search applications.