Using Internet-Available (Free!) Applets in the Physics Classroom

Why?

• Singular most cost effective way to increase the use of technology in the classroom

What’s Needed?

• Basic – 1 Computer w/ Internet Access– LCD projector & Screen

• Deluxe– n Computers w/ Internet Access

Using Applets in the Physics Classroom

• Reinforce a concept– The “Oh, so that’s what that means!” Factor

• unpredictable

• Play!– “Check out these links.”– Students tend not to abuse

• Add an Assignment– Make 3 observations…– What happens to… if…

More Uses…

• Help students solve a problem/check answer– e.g., Projectile Motion

• Have students generate their own problem (for others to do) and provide answer.

Ideosyncrasies

• Finding them– Google: physics applet, reflection applet,…

• Maintaining links– Sites can suddenly “go away”

• Bugs, only certain browsers, plugins

• Computer, Network troubles

Sample Problem

• James Bond runs and jumps off a flat roof top to another roof 2.5m below and 4m away. If he jumps at an angle of 15 degrees and with a speed of 5m/s, does he make it?

Need Help? Do a Google search for an applet…

Still need help? Try this applet…

http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph11e/projectile.htm

Another Sample Problem

• Demonstrate wave diffraction in a virtual ripple tank.

Can’t find one? Try this applet:http://www.falstad.com/mathphysics.html

And Another…

• OK, you make one up this time!