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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

STP Percolation Program
The STP Percolation program generates occupied lattice sites for a given probability and determines the clusters of occupied sites. This program demonstrates properties of percolation, especially near the geometric phase transition, and is part of a group of  simulations for Statistical and Thermal Physics.
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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

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:

OSP Events

Symposium on Horizons in Astronomy and Physics Education
Presentation: Physlets and EJS
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
UNC Chapel Hill
December 29-30, 2009

Physics and Astronomy Content and Standards for K-8
Presentation Series
Morehead Elementary
Charlotte, NC
Jan. 12, 19, 26 and Feb. 2, 2010

AAPT/APS Teachers' Day
Workshop: AAPT/APS
Washington, DC
February 12, 2010

Using Easy Java Simulations for Physics Teaching
Workshop: American Association of Physics Teachers Meeting
Washington, DC
February 14, 2010

More events

Latest OSP Materials

Feb 6 Sidereal and Solar Day
Feb 1 Physical Pendulum Forces
Feb 1 Physical Pendulum Energy
Jan 28 MPTL 14 EJS Workshop Report

Recent Library Material Comments

Jan 12 - 11:31 PM EST
Lyle posted Re: is the file inco... to the EM Radiation Program thread.


Recent Discussions

Feb 03 - 11:46 PM EST
smith jast posted Re: Sign error to the Errata in An Intro... thread.

Jan 29 - 12:22 AM EST
jkmp2012 jkmp2012 posted Re: Can't load videos... to the Tracker on Linux? thread.