The incorporation of engaging and meaningful learning experiences is essential for the enhancement of critical thinking and the development of scientific literacy. The study engaged several groups of students in activities designed to elicit their understanding of a graphical representation of motion, and to determine the kinesthetic effect of…

This paper focuses on one Grade 5 class (9 females; 9 males) who worked in student-pairs to view five digital learning object (DLO) lessons created by the authors and meant to introduce students to the nature of models, the particle nature of matter, and physical change. Specifically, the paper focuses on whether DLO design elements could assist…

Students in 4 Canadian high school physics classes completed instructional sequences in two key physics topics related to motion--Straight Line Motion and Newton's First Law. Different sequences of laboratory investigation, teacher explanation (lecture) and the use of computer-based scientific visualizations (animations and simulations) were…

This article reports on results of an exploratory study on undergraduate pre-service teachers' understanding of graphical representations of motion functions. The study described pre-service teachers' explorations using a CBR device. Pre-service teachers' growth was studied in two dimensions: (a) in their learning of the mathematics involved and…

Presents the LOGO computer language as a source to experience and investigate scientific laws. Discusses aspects and uses of LOGO. Lists two LOGO programs, one to simulate a gravitational field and the other projectile motion. (MVL)

A complete listing of a projectile motion program for the Apple II microcomputer is provided. A discussion of this computer simulation and a table with variables used in the program (as well as their meanings) can be found in SE 533 596. (JN)

Studies the effect of V-Scope activities on the performance of 11th-grade students in analyzing kinematics graphs. Students were challenged to construct different kinds of graphs using their own movements as well as the motion of a dynamics cart. Results indicate that the V-Scope kinematics laboratory activities can promote kinematics concepts and…

Considers activities that use LOGO to slide, turn, and flip the "turtle." Uses non-LOGO tools such as cutouts, pattern blocks, and tangrams to enhance the motion work. Provides examples and programs with explanations. (MVL)

Discusses chaotic behavior (movement) in a nonlinear system using LOGO programs. Presents several examples with program listings. (MVL)

Described is the V-scope which is a Micro-Based Laboratory system that provides direct and immediate displays of real motion as spatial images (stroboscopic snapshots), as time graphs of any combination of position, velocity, and acceleration, or as vector diagrams of velocity and acceleration. Illustrations of system components and of typical…

Suggests that intuition and visualization are effective methods of introducing engineering principles to pre-engineering students. Describes the development of computer simulation software as part of a "Pre-Engineering College On Disk" course. The computer game helps students visualize the relationship between shell trajectory and its…