Anne Cox has created a shared folder with materials for teaching Statistical and Thermal Physics using the forthcoming textbook by Gould and Tobochnik.  See: http://www.compadre.org/OSP/filingcabinet/share.cfm?UID=1682&FID=15202&code=CAE3FA1BD8. For instructors teaching Statistical and Thermal Physics at the upper-level undergraduate or graduate level, the ComPADRE collection at http://www.compadre.org/STP may also be of interest.

This "textbook," while covering the standard topics of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics features simulations and numerical calculations. The simulations can certainly be used for demonstrations and problem-solving, but the simulations are also woven into the discussion at a deeper level. The text asks students to also consider the algorithms themselves (without requiring programming) as a way to help students build stronger mental models of concepts including, but not limited to, thermal interaction, thermal equilibrium, probability, temperature, entropy, and chemical potential. Therefore, although the text can be used without the simulations, using the simulations (as keyed to the sections of the text in this shared folder) enrichs the course and student understanding.

Todd Timberlake has created a shared folder with materials for his Copernican Revolution course.  See: http://www.compadre.org/OSP/filingcabinet/share.cfm?UID=12250&FID=17802&code=A816D1F75A.

In the Copernican Revolution course students explore the history of astronomy from the Ancient Greeks to Isaac Newton.  Astronomical theories are studied in some detail and evaluated based on their success or failure at reproducing astronomical observations.  The EJS simulations in this folder allow students to actively engage with the astronomical theories and visualize the apparent motions predicted by each theory.  For more information on these curricular materials please visit http://facultyweb.berry.edu/ttimberlake/copernican/.

Many of these simulations will also be useful for more traditional astronomy courses.

Post edited August 26, 2009 at 11:29 AM EST.

Every computational physics course requires tools, such as editors and compilers, to produce documentation and programs. These tools are often integrated into development environments with graphical user interfaces, such as Eclipse, that provide easy access to the underlying tools. We have chosen Easy Java Simulations for this edition of An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods because its dynamic and highly interactive user interface greatly reduces the amount of programming required to implement an idea. EJS is a Java program that enables both programmers and novices to quickly and easily prototype, test, and distribute packages of Java simulations. EJS gently introduces students to Java syntax but even experienced programmers find it useful because it is faster and easier program in EJS than in other environments.

Mario Belloni has created a shared folder for his introductory astronomy course.  See: http://www.compadre.org/OSP/filingcabinet/share.cfm?UID=10133&FID=17533


Materials in Support of a College-Level Introductory Astronomy Course at Davidson College.

A survey of the current scientific view of the Universe. Emphasis on the physical and mathematical principles necessary to understand how astronomers observe and interpret phenomena. Topics include the historical development of major astronomical theories, the interaction of light and matter, the life cycle of stars, and the structure and evolution of the Universe.  No laboratory.

Post edited August 20, 2009 at 11:24 AM EST.