Excel and VPython Tutorials
Spreadsheets
This series of videos shows how to make use of some basic spreadsheet functionality to build computational models, and includes a review of the simple Euler Method for solving a first order differential equation in the context of solving Newton's 2nd Law. The series culminates with an implementation of a model of a Falling Sphere without air resistance. Any spreadsheet program can be used to follow along, and work through the content in these videos.
Building a Control Panel - Excel/LibreOffice
Building a Control Panel - Google Sheets
Basic Iterative Calculations and Building a Kinematic Problem Solver - Excel/LibreOffice
Basic Iterative Calculations and Building a Kinematic Problem Solver - Google Sheets
Falling Sphere without Air Resistance
VPython
These videos show how to model a planetary orbit using VPython to visualize the trajectory. The free website Trinket.io is used to run the VPython code in a browser, without requiring any downloads or installation of other software. There are also two links to pages on Trinket.io.
Intro to E&M course based on Matter and Interactions
Intro to VPython for Instructors
