Simulations
Image: Hans Braxmeier, Pixabay, 2013
Simulation
Topics
IA Simulations
Learning
Mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electric circuits, circular motion and gravitation, atomic, nuclear and particle physics, electromagnetism, particle physics, fluids
Yes, the labs often have 'analog' scales so that the student actually needs to read the value and can have uncertainty. The author also says that several of the simulations have built in uncertainty.
Yes, the Physics Aviary contains 150+ labs, animated homework problems with different solutions each time, challenge games, and tools. The simulations are also organized for the Advanced Placement (AP) syllabus so browsing is fairly convenient
Mechanics, circular motion, DC circuits, electric charge and force, electromagnetic induction, magnetism, mechanical waves, geometrical optics
Yes, some ideas can be extended into hands on IAs.
Yes, the Scientific Abilities website has detailed instructions for a list of experiments (real, video-based and data-based) that students can perform such as labs for circular motion. For each experiment goals, equipment and rubrics for self-assessment are provided.
Within the task on circular motion this video on circular motion is particularly effective as it shows a man running in a circle and hitting a heavy ball inwards with a sledge hammer.
Motion, sound & waves, work, energy & power, thermal, quantum phenomena, light & radiation, electricity, magnets, circuits
Yes
Yes
Mechanics with some simulations such as Cart + Pendulum which are non-standard and more interesting.
Yes, as a bonus most of the simulation web pages show how the math is derived, so the student can comment on this. Some simulations such as Cart + Pendulum are non-standard and more interesting.
Yes
Vector addition, motion in 1 and 2 dimensions, forces, circular motion, momentum and energy, gravitation, rotation, harmonic motion, fluids, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electric charge and electric field, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, electromagnetic waves, geometrical optics, interference and diffraction, climate change
No
Yes, the HTML5 Simulations website has 214 simulations that cover most of the IB syllabus.
Most of syllabus
Yes
Yes, each simulation starts with a question that is not easy to answer, descriptive video with guiding questions and a sandbox type exploration.
1-D kinematics, Newton's laws, vectors, momentum, work, energy, and power, circular motion, thermal physics, static electricity, electric circuits, vibrations and waves, sound waves and music, light waves and color, reflection and refraction
No
Yes, it contains well written tutorials, concept builders and simulations.
All syllabus
No
Yes, lots of interactive material including books such as Physlet Physics and Sound: An Interactive Book.
Kinematics, forces, conservation, waves, light, E & M, rotation, fluids, modern
Yes, some have many possible independent variables and a wide range of selectable values.
Yes
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