Indicates a research-demonstrated benefit
Overview
Small, flexible, educational physics applets designed for use in quizzes, homework problems, and Just in Time Teaching activities. Can be used as part of almost any curriculum with almost any teaching style. Created and controlled with JavaScript, allowing instructors and students to modify and adapt them. Physlets use simple graphics to convey only the salient features of physical phenomena. Can be downloaded free and run on any platform.
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Type of Method | Computer simulations |
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Level |
Designed for:
Intro College Calculus-based , Intro College Algebra-based, Advanced Undergraduate, Intro College Conceptual, Intermediate Undergraduate
Can be adapted for: Teacher Preparation, High School |
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Setting |
Designed for:
Lecture - Small (<30 students), Lab, Homework, Studio
Can be adapted for: Lecture - Large (30+ students) |
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Coverage | Few topics with great depth, Many topics with less depth |
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Topics | Mechanics, Electricity / Magnetism, Waves / Optics, Thermal / Statistical, Modern / Quantum |
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Instructor Effort | Medium |
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Resource Needs | Projector in class, Computers for student use in class, Computers for student use outside of class |
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Skills |
Designed for:
Problem-solving skills, Conceptual understanding of physics content, Connecting conceptual and mathematical understanding, Coherent framework for physics, Think like a scientist, Representing knowledge in multiple ways
Can be adapted for: Laboratory skills, Designing experiments, Creativity |
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Research Validation |
Based on research into:
how students learn,
student ideas about specific topics Demonstrated to improve: scores on multiple choice conceptual tests ,
scores on written conceptual testsStudied using: conceptual pre/post exams ,
problem-solving pre/post exams,
beliefs pre/post exams |
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Compatible Methods | Peer Instruction, PhET, UW Tutorials, JiTT, Ranking Tasks, ILDs, CGPS, Context-Rich Problems, RealTime Physics, Workshop Physics, TIPERs, ABP Tutorials, SCALE-UP, Modeling, OSP, SDI Labs, OST Tutorials, ISLE, Thinking Problems, Workbook for Introductory Physics, LA Program, PET, PSET, LEPS, CAE TPS, Lecture-Tutorials, Astro Ranking Tasks, MBL, New Model Course, CPU, SCL, TEFA, CU Modern, CU E&M, CU QM, QuILTs, IQP, Thermal Tutorials, Mechanics Tutorials, Energy Project, SGSI, Paradigms, PUM, EiP, Tools for Scientific Thinking, PI QM, M&I, Tutorials, Clickers, MOP |
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Similar Methods | PhET, OSP, CPU |
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Developer(s) | Wolfgang Christian |
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Website | http://webphysics.davidson.edu/applets/applets.html |
