Teaching Resources

Physics teaching resources

08 February

Bouncing Ball Animation using Python

Seng Kwang Tan 02 Kinematics, IP3 02 Kinematics, Python, Simulations 0 Comments

For a fullscreen view, visit https://www.glowscript.org/#/user/wboson2007/folder/MyPrograms/program/Bouncing

Modified this python simulation from Dr Darren Tan’s work at https://sciencesamurai.trinket.io/a-level-physics-programming#/collisions/bouncing-ball

Wanted to try out a different way of creating simulations. Added the acceleration-time graph in place of his energy-time graph, in preparation for the teaching of kinematics. Also assuming no energy loss during collisions for simplicity.

For Singapore teachers, I have submitted a request to SLS for this URL to be whitelisted for embedding. Once approved, glowscript simulations can be embedded as part of the lesson. For the time being, a URL link out to the simulation will have to do.

03 February

3D Virtual Experiment – Simple Pendulum

Seng Kwang Tan 10 Oscillations, GeoGebra, IP4 Practical, Simulations 2 Comments

This is a simple virtual experiment with a 3D view, allow teachers to explain the simple concepts of an oscillation experiment, such as which view is best to measure timing of the oscillation from.

To access this simulation directly via GeoGebra, go to : https://www.geogebra.org/m/d3yxgjfp

To embed it in SLS or other platforms, use the following code:

<iframe scrolling="no" title="Pendulum" src="https://www.geogebra.org/material/iframe/id/d3yxgjfp/width/640/height/480/border/888888/sfsb/true/smb/false/stb/false/stbh/false/ai/false/asb/false/sri/false/rc/false/ld/false/sdz/true/ctl/false" width="640px" height="480px" style="border:0px;"> </iframe>
26 December

3D Virtual Experiment on Torsional Pendulum

Seng Kwang Tan 10 Oscillations, GeoGebra, Simulations 0 Comments

In preparation for HBL in 2022, I designed a simple virtual experiment that will allow for students to collect data on oscillations using their own stopwatches and investigate the relationship between the period of oscillation and two separate variables. To access the simulation on GeoGebra, visit https://www.geogebra.org/m/jhc4xvpe.

Based on the given relationship $$T = cm^aL^b$$ where a, b and c are constants, students will be tasked to find the constants a, b and c. Students will then attempt to “linearise” the equation such that the independent variables m and L can be tested one by one.

Examples of data collected can be plotted using Excel to give the following graphs from which the gradients and vertical intercepts can be obtained instantly.

29 November

Multiple Representation of Vertical Throw

Seng Kwang Tan 02 Kinematics, GeoGebra, IP3 02 Kinematics 0 Comments

One common misconception among new learners of kinematics is that acceleration of an object being thrown upward is zero at the top of the path when it is momentarily at rest. I created this interactive, along with the 3 graphs in order to help students relate the vectors to the graphical representation of motion.

It is also worth noting that students often have conflicting ideas of the acceleration at the beginning of the throw, as they are aware that a resultant upward acceleration is necessary for the object to start moving upward in the first place. Hence, it must be stressed that the animation begins after the ball has left the throwing hand.

For a view that is optimized for your screen, visit https://www.geogebra.org/m/zvsydy9f.

05 November

Micrometer Screw Gauge – Self-Practice GeoGebra Applet

Seng Kwang Tan 01 Measurement, GeoGebra, IP3 01 Measurement 0 Comments

After completing the vernier calipers applet, I simply had to do a similar one for the micrometer. However, this was a lot more complex as the thimble’s numbers are supposed to be “rotating” rather than moving linearly. A lateral movement of the thimble had to be coupled with a vertical movement of the rotating scale, with the corresponding numbers on the scale constantly changing with each new problem.

Students will need to make readings when the spindle is closed and when open to measure an object before subtracting the zero error and keying in the answer for the actual measurement. The answer will be checked for accuracy, although not for the correct number of decimal places because I have not figured out a way to programme that check yet.

To access the applet in fullscreen, go to https://www.geogebra.org/m/qedrwymk. To embed into SLS, you may use this code:

<iframe scrolling="no" title="Micrometer with zero error" src="https://www.geogebra.org/material/iframe/id/qedrwymk/width/640/height/480/border/888888/sfsb/true/smb/false/stb/false/stbh/false/ai/false/asb/false/sri/false/rc/false/ld/false/sdz/false/ctl/false" width="640px" height="480px" style="border:0px;"> </iframe>