Due to the conditions imposed worldwide by the pandemic, students' access to school laboratories is limited, if not impossible. To provide students with raw experimental data to assess, analyse and reason out, we have filmed experiments that can be used in a flipped classroom. This paper presents an experiment which makes use of an array of six…

We propose an experimental activity in order to develop a mathematical model that relates step length and walking speed of human beings. We employ two well-known physics teaching softwares, namely, Tracker to carry out the video analysis and LibreOffice/Calc to obtain graphs, trend lines and equations. The predictions of our model are compared…

This paper describes the further development of the "Epidemiology of Eyam" project at Winchester College since the publication of our previous paper (French "et al" 2019 Phys. Educ. 54 045008). A much wider cadre of students have been involved with this recent phase of the study, and we have also benefitted from a sabbatical…

This paper presents a thorough method for studying the interference of water waves. The study aimed: (a) to demonstrate the interaction of two coherent waves, which creates interference patterns, and (b) to analyse the interference patterns. Three main tools were employed: a simplified ripple tank to experiment, a smartphone camera to record the…

A unit aiming to introduce pre-service teachers of primary education to the limited predictability of deterministic chaotic systems is presented. The unit is based on a commercial chaotic pendulum system connected with a data acquisition interface. The capabilities and difficulties in understanding the notion of limited predictability of 18…

A set-up comprising a magnetic disc, a solenoid and a mechanical balance was used to teach first-year physics students Newton's third law with the help of a free body diagram. The image of a floating magnet immobilized by the solenoid's repulsive force should help dispel a common misconception of students as regards the first law: that stationary…

Surveys the major areas of discovery in physics for the past two hundred years. Attempts to predict future discoveries from analyses of past trends. (CP)