This paper presents the usage of an Excel spreadsheet for studying charged particle dynamics in the presence of uniform electric and magnetic fields. The equation of motion of the charged particle is developed under different conditions and the data is obtained in an Excel spreadsheet under variation of parameters such as the velocity of charged…

This paper reports the use of Tracker as a computer-based learning tool to support effective learning and teaching of "toss up" and free fall motion for beginning secondary three (15?year-old) students. The case study involved (N = 123) students from express pure physics classes at a mainstream school in Singapore. We used eight…

A new procedure for performing quantitative measurements in teaching optics is presented. Application of the procedure to accurately measure the rate of change of the variable refractive index of a water-denatured alcohol mixture is described. The procedure can also be usefully exploited for measuring the constant refractive index of distilled…

Inexpensive video analysis technology now enables students to make precise measurements of an object's position at incremental times during its motion. Such capability now allows users to "examine", rather than simply "assume", energy conservation in a variety of situations commonly discussed in introductory physics courses. This article describes…

A well-known experiment for the measurement of the acceleration of gravity is carried out on a personal computer using standard software for a sound card in a non-canonical way, which provides an improved, more accurate, result and is a useful teaching method for a traditional classroom experiment. (Contains 3 figures and 1 footnote.)

A simple interface between VPython and Microsoft (MS) Office products such as Word and Excel, controlled by Visual Basic for Applications, is described. The interface allows the preparation of content-rich, interactive learning environments by taking advantage of the three-dimensional (3D) visualization capabilities of VPython and the GUI…

We present a simple computer-based laboratory experiment for evaluating absolute zero in degrees Celsius, which can be performed in college and undergraduate physical sciences laboratory courses. With a computer, absolute zero apparatus can help demonstrators or students to observe the relationship between temperature and pressure and use…

Using computers to provide dynamic modelling of physical situations is a valuable teaching tool. This is the first of two articles which look in detail at the use of two tools: this article considers the use of VnR whilst the second considers Modellus. This article provides useful approaches using VnR to teach physics. It also considers the…

The interaction of a conductor with a time-dependent magnetic field is an important topic of electromagnetic theory. A computerized classroom demonstration shows how the eddy currents induced in the rotor of an induction motor cause its rotation or braking. Both phenomena are directly related to Lenz's law.

Attempts to briefly answer why computers should enter the educational scene, and how can they be effectively employed in this context. With emphasis on physics, several operating systems used in England and the United States are described. (TS)

Discusses how to establish a computer-assisted learning (CAL) program, including costs, needed equipment, preparing CAL packages, and evaluation techniques. (MLH)

Discusses the need for a student who is using computer-aided instruction to also study the actual learning process. Regardless of the superiority of the teaching materials, the restructuring of previously existing knowledge structures in the learner is difficult. Computer-aided instruction should be aimed at helping with this restructuring.…

Describes the physics program of the English curriculum project called Computers in the Curriculum. Gives examples of some of the on-line programs that are used in teaching secondary school physics. (MLH)

Discusses the programs and packages of a computer-assisted instruction project called Computational Physics Teaching Laboratory, in which students solve simulated physics at a computer terminal with visual display. (MLH)

Describes the structure of a physics course organized into independent-learning modules and designed to make use of the facilities of a Computer Assisted Management of Learning (CAMOL) package. (GA)