Integrating software simulations into classroom teaching
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By using the PC projector some experiments that cannot be performed in labs can be demonstrated to the whole class. Data can be recorded and students can then plot graphs of data normally not available.
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Worksheets are written for students to perform simulations outside of lessons saving on lesson time.
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Teachers are always asking for recommendations for software and there is no easy answer, registering with the Institute of Physics' Physics teacher's discussion group is a good way of posing this question regularly and there are some ideas on this page and the next.
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How to allow students access to CD ROMS proved a problem without a network CD server. We started by putting CD's in the Library and students signed them out to use on the Library computers. This was hidden away from students and the CDs were not used except by the very keen. Now three of the CD's relevant to current teaching are kept in the three computers outside the labs with a small padlock to prevent them being borrowed! Unfortunately new building work has limited the space in the corridor.
All of these PC's are on trolleys and can be plugged into the network both inside and out side the labs as well as running as standalones. By not keeping in the labs the students have access to them when they are not being specifically used in a lesson.
Particle Physics simulations (Lancaster University)
Virtual
lab simulations from Bradford Technology.
See products
at
(www.bradtech.co.uk)
Part list of simulations from the Thermodynamics CD ROM.
Example of the simulation of the Carnot Cycle from the Virtual Lab.
Using Easy Graph allows graphs to be plotted as class experiments proceed. This means that shapes, gradients and y-intercepts can be found during the lesson without waiting for all students to have plotted the graph. The continuity of lessons is improved and students are to consolidate concepts at the time rather than a lesson later. Excel can also be used but students need to spend time learning how to use the package.
The Phillip Harris Data logging equipment allows for graphs to be plotted for fast events in this case the build up of current through a lamp connected in series with an inductor.
(Note the display is of a voltage drop across a resistor in series so as to give the current waveform even though the y axis is labeled voltage).
or for slow events over the period of a lesson
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