An online HTML5 Fourier synthesizer app is provided that allows students to manipulate sixteen harmonics and construct periodic waves. Students can set the amplitudes and phases for each harmonic, seeing the resulting waveforms and hearing the sounds. Five waveform presets are included: sine, triangle, square, ramp (sawtooth), and pulse train. The…

Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a common topic for many students to study. Using the free, though versatile, motion tracking software; "Tracker", we can extend the students experience and show that the general equation for SHM does lead to the correct period of a simple pendulum.

Image modelling is a recent technique in physics education that includes digital tools for image treatment and analysis, such as digital stroboscopic photography (DSP) and video analysis software. It is commonly used to analyse the motion of objects. In this work we show how to determine the position of the centre of mass (CM) of objects with…

Solar current is an increasingly important aspect of modern life and will be even more so crucial in the students' future. Encouraging students to be the "toolmakers" allows students to take ownership of scientific investigations, as well as forcing them to refine their research questions and hypothesis, including the design and…

An application was created to encourage students' practical knowledge of gravitational fields, the law of conservation of energy and other phenomena, such as gravitational slingshots. The educational software simulates the flight of a solar sail spacecraft between two planets of the Solar System using the laws of gravity and radiation…

Recently, with the development of more powerful and accurate computational tools, the inclusion of new didactic materials in the classroom is known to have increased. However, the form in which these materials can be used to enhance the learning process is still under debate. Many different methodologies have been suggested for constructing new…

A college physics department has been operating a "computer games station" in a corridor, with unrestricted access. The design of this station and summary of programs used are described. Program focuses on acceleration, rotating vectors, Maxwell's demonstration, wave display, and Fourier synthesis. (JN)

Describes a heat capacity experiment designed to provide an interactive environment between the student, the experiment, and the computer. Discusses computer software that has been developed so that the entire interaction can be coordinated from the computer keyboard. (TW)

Describes an accurate system for measuring speeds and frequencies with a microcomputer. Explains how the system can give a reasonable graphical representation of velocity and acceleration against time. Gives examples of graphs produced by the program and provides an address to obtain the software for their application. (CW)

Describes some simple computer programs designed to simulate the molecular dynamics of two-dimensional systems with a Lennard-Jones interaction potential. Discusses the use of the software in introductory physics courses at the high school and college level. (TW)

Describes a special camera that can be directly linked to a computer that has been adapted for studying movement. Discusses capture, processing, and analysis of two-dimensional data with either IBM PC or Apple II computers. Gives examples of a variety of mechanical tests including pendulum motion, air track, and air table. (CW)

Points out two areas of difficulty in teaching Newtonian dynamics. Describes several alternatives to physics learning using new technology. Details the use of the LOGO computer language in teaching simple Newtonian environments. Suggests the potential for creating new learning experiences in dynamics with new technology. (CW)

Describes efforts of members of the biology and physics departments of Paisley College (Scotland) to develop a simple light-emitter-detector arrangement adapted as a colorimeter interfaced with a microcomputer for use by undergraduate students. Discusses the setup and provides a computer program in BASIC to run it. (CW)

Discusses the use of satellite data in physics classrooms. Describes the apparatus that can be used to collect and analyze data. Provides examples of how telemetry data transmitted by the satellite UoSAT-2 can be used not only in teaching physics, but also in geography, mathematics, and information technology. (TW)

Describes an open-ended computer simulation project that can be used to illustrate the growth of solid crystals in different forms at any level from high school physics to graduate physics. Discusses a simple computer program in BASIC language on an IBM personal computer. Gives examples of simulations. (CW)