Using Internet-Available (Free!) Applets in the Physics Classroom

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Using Internet-Available (Free!) Applets in the
Physics Classroom
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Why?

• Singular most cost effective way to increase the
  use of technology in the classroom

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Whats Needed?

• Basic
• 1 Computer w/ Internet Access
• LCD projector Screen
• Deluxe
• n Computers w/ Internet Access

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Using Applets in the Physics Classroom

• Reinforce a concept
• The Oh, so thats what that means! Factor
• unpredictable
• Play!
• Check out these links.
• Students tend not to abuse
• Add an Assignment
• Make 3 observations
• What happens to if

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More Uses

• Help students solve a problem/check answer
• e.g., Projectile Motion
• Have students generate their own problem (for
  others to do) and provide answer.

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Ideosyncrasies

• Finding them
• Google physics applet, reflection applet,
• Maintaining links
• Sites can suddenly go away
• Bugs, only certain browsers, plugins
• Computer, Network troubles

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Sample Problem

• James Bond runs and jumps off a flat roof top to
  another roof 2.5m below and 4m away. If he jumps
  at an angle of 15 degrees and with a speed of
  5m/s, does he make it?
• Need Help? Do a Google search for an applet
• Still need help? Try this applet
• http//www.walter-fendt.de/ph11e/projectile.htm

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Another Sample Problem

• Demonstrate wave diffraction in a virtual ripple
  tank.
• Cant find one? Try this applet
• http//www.falstad.com/mathphysics.html

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And Another

• OK, you make one up this time!