Physics – the laws, properties and interactions of matter, motion and energy
“It gives the opportunity for us to try to adopt the knowledge we have learnt to use in real situations.” N Bunyamanee, Class 6CI, Auckland Grammar School- 88% of students in our pilot definitely wanted more simulations in future learning.
Objectives
These are simulations designed for year 12 physics students and are based on NCEA level 2 curriculum and Cambridge International A levels.
- The simulations test students physics knowledge and gets them to use what they have learned in simulated problems.
- Learned material can be aggregated into bigger “chunks” and then applied holistically to broader problems.
- In some sims, students are faced with the same decision as they would have in a real lab test.
- Other sims cover quantitative material that is part of the subject matter.
- Hints can be requested, as well as the solution if the student cannot solve the problem first time.
- The simulations can be run at home or in the classroom with students working individually or as teams.
- The simulations assist teachers by providing real time/rapid feedback of student’s performance that shows them what areas the class is having problems with, and which individual students are having trouble with the course.
- The simulations should be done one at a time as the content is covered in class.
- The simulation works well as homework, the teacher can easily check the homework is completed and see where students had trouble.
Simulations are based on the qualifications as shown in the tables below.
Physics: NCEA Level 2 Achievement Standards
| AS | Description | Sim Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Take measurements of physical quantities and analyse data graphically to determine a relationship | Physical quantities |
| 2.3 | Demonstrate understanding of waves | Waves |
| 2.4 | Demonstrate understanding of mechanics | Mechanics |
| 2.5 | Demonstrate understanding of atoms and radioactivity | Atoms and radioactivity |
| 2.6 | Demonstrate understanding of electricity and electromagnetism | Electricity and electromagnetism |
| 2.7 | Demonstrate understanding of physics in an integrated context | Physics in an integrated context |
Physics: Cambridge International A Levels
| Topic | Sim Title |
|---|---|
| Kinematics: linear/ non-linear motion | Kinematics |
| Dynamics: Newton's law of motion, Equilibirum of forces, Centre of gravity, Turning effects of forces | Dynamics |
| Matter: Phases of matter, deformation of solids, ideal gases, temperature, thermal properties | Matter |
| Oscillation and waves | Oscillation and waves |
*Note: availability of some simulations based on certain achievement standards are limited due to authoring time constraints. However all simulations will be completed by December 2010.
Velocity, Acceleration and Mass – a 2-minute video clip
This video provides an example of a physics simulation in action. It is the sim that was used in the pilot at Auckland Grammar School and the main features of this are described. There would be several of these that would cover one NCEA achievement standard or CIE topic.
Components of a Sim
A sim consists of a teacher briefing, a student briefing, a video introduction, pre and post tests, the simulation, and use of the platform. Clicking on the active links above gives the resources used in the pilot and below is an image of the physics pilot simulation.
Physics Pilot Feedback Summary
Feedback from students was positive with a large majority enjoying the change from normal text book learning, the instant access to answers and workings, the ease of use and the ability to apply learning to ‘real situations’.
- 88% of students in our pilot definitely wanted more simulations in future learning.
- “The best thing was the way of presenting the material, the type of the questions and the actual design of the program.” Mikhail Filippos, Student, Auckland Grammar School
- “It provided you with a complex question that required thinking. Also provided answers and correct working.” Jesse Renel Nicholson, Student, Auckland Grammar School
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