Many high school and introductory college physics courses make use of mousetrap car projects and competitions as a way of providing an engaging hands-on learning experience incorporating Newton's laws, conversion of potential to kinetic energy, dissipative forces, and rotational mechanics. Presented here is a simple analytical and finite element…

Spreadsheets can be a powerful tool when it comes to teaching physics. From data analysis and graphing to animated simulations, Excel[R] is a very versatile program for the educator and learner alike. This paper describes and supports another use for Excel through Reflective Formative Assessment Spreadsheets (RFAS). To illustrate the use of RFAS,…

Discusses the use of a spreadsheet program to vary the parameters in multiloop circuit problems. Enables students to better understand how the elements in a multiloop circuit determine the current by allowing them to see the results of the changes immediately. (JRH)

Presented is an example of this use of spreadsheet software. The basic case is considered with an extension and suggestions for other applications. Emphasized is the use of this method at the introductory level. (CW)

Provides an activity which measures the heat transfer through an insulated cylindrical tank, allowing the student to gain a better knowledge of both the physics involved and the working of spreadsheets. Provides both a spreadsheet solution and a maximum-minimum method of solution for the problem. (MVL)

Describes a way of incorporating animations into spreadsheets using Excel software. (WRM)

The use of computer spreadsheet programs in the physics laboratory is discussed. An example of this application with a conservation of energy laboratory is presented including the cases of a rolling sphere and a sliding sphere. (CW)

Presents a lab experiment to demonstrate application of the iterative capability of spreadsheets. Activity involves a variable spacing parallel-plate capacitor and an electrometer. (PR)

Evaluates a pair of workshops conducted by the Physics Courseware Evaluation Project. Presents data collected on computer tool needs of the teachers, microcomputer-based laboratory probes usage, spreadsheet usage, software usage, effectiveness of technology in the classroom, and teacher involvement with computers. Reports that high school teachers…