Teaching Resources

Physics teaching resources

17 September

Micro:bit Line-Following Robot

Seng Kwang Tan Robotics 0 Comments

I was looking for an extension to the Micro:bit Go set that I bought a while back and came across a robot set that is currently on sale. This set comes with most of the sensors a typical line following or obstacle avoiding robot needs. Currently, it is being sold at a fraction of the price of other similar Micro:bit robots, and is far cheaper than sets such as the Lego EV3.

After unpacking it earlier this evening after work, I managed to put together the parts by following the instructions, which were quite clear.

  1. Micro:bit Go (S$30 on Lazada)
  2. Yahboom Micro:bit Robot (selling for S$49.68 only at Lazada)
Before assembly
Microbit Line Following Robot
Microbit Line Following Robot

To program the robot using Micro:bit’s Makecode, which is a block programming interface that is very similar to Scratch, you will need to download the Yahboom blocks by selecting Extensions from the Advanced menu.

Enter the following URL into the search bar: https://github.com/lzty634158/yahboom_mbit_en

You will then see the library of new blocks including those meant for the robot below:

A few simple lines of code are all that is needed for the light sensors to keep tracking a black line by turning whenever one of the sensors detect white while the other detects black.

After programming the robot, download the hex file into the Microbit and the robot is good to go.

02 July

Phase Difference GeoGebra Apps

Seng Kwang Tan 11 Wave Motion, 12 Superposition, GeoGebra 0 Comments

I created a series of GeoGebra apps for the JC topics of Waves and Superposition, mainly on the concept of Phase Difference. The sizes of these GeoGebra apps are optimised for embedding into SLS. When I have time, I will create detailed instructions on how to create such apps. Meanwhile, feel free to use them.

Instructions on how to embed the apps into SLS can be found in the SLS user guide.

Phase difference between two particles on a progressive wave. Move the particles along the wave to see the value.

Phase difference between two particles on a stationary wave. Move the particles along the wave to observe how their velocities are different or similar.

Observe velocity vectors of multiple particles on a progressive wave.

24 May

Javascript Game to Learn How to Count Money

Seng Kwang Tan Games 2 Comments

Trying to brush up my Javascript skills after being inspired by one of the senior specialists in ETD, I created this simple Javascript Game to teach kids how to count money using Singapore coins.

To play this game, click or press the “Play Button”. Click on the coins to make up the targeted amount. Be careful as the coins will move over one another.

This is meant for children entering primary one soon so that they can learn how to pay for food at the canteen.

To insert this into SLS, download the zipped file here and upload as a media object.

30 December

GeoGebra in SLS

Seng Kwang Tan GeoGebra, Teaching Resources 0 Comments

Useful Links for Learning about using GeoGebra in SLS.

  1. Instructions on how to embed GeoGebra into SLS via iframe (recommended) (Method 1).
  2. Instructions on how to upload GeoGebra into SLS as a standalone package (Method 2).
  3. GeoGebra apps curated for A-level Physics: https://www.geogebra.org/m/dgedzmz3
  4. GeoGebra apps curated for O-level Physics: https://www.geogebra.org/m/z5nfs8qd
  5. Using GeoGebra Group as an LMS.
  6. IPSG Poster on “An SLS Learning Experience with GeoGebra Apps on the First Law of Thermodynamics”. Update on 2 Jul 2019: The SLS lesson shared during IPSG 2019 can now be found in the SLS Community Gallery.
  7. Let us know if you have used or adapted the SLS lesson, or if you have ideas for new GeoGebra apps in the comment section below.