Interactive Physics Simulations

Student Performance Objectives:

• The teacher candidate will select one interactive physics similuation and become familiar with its use.
• The teacher candidate will develop a simulation-based worksheet for student use.
• The teacher candidate will present the worksheet to the class.

Physlets - Physics Applets - are typically interactive Java simulations designed for physics education. You do not need to be a Java expert in order to use physlets; physlets tend to be user friendly. Nonetheless, it often takes a bit of practice to become familiar with and learn the educational uses of a phylet. The links below generally contain tutorials, instructions, and sample problems to help you use physlets in your teaching. Working in pairs, rough out a worksheet activity for students to use after you have become familiar with a particular simulation. Don't waste time looking through many simulations. Pick one quickly and just "go" with it. Presentations will take place near the end of class.

Physics Education Technology (PhET)

Physlets (Davidson College)

Interactive Physlets (Grenfell College)

Virtual Labs and Simulations (Hazelwood High School)

MyPhysicsLabs (Simulations by Erik Neumann)