Computer simulations: the virtual physics laboratory Grade level: 10, 11 & 12 Time needed: 4 hours
Introduction
Outcomes and Objectives
Outline and resources
Activity 1 Computer simulations of currents and voltages in electrical circuits (Grade 10) http://www.hyperstaffs.info/science/work/child/circuits.swf
Activity 1 Computer simulations of currents and voltages in electrical circuits (Grade 10) http://www.tbc.school.nz/elearning/localsites/scirev_lvl1/dcelectricity.swf
Activity 1 Computer simulations of currents and voltages in electrical circuits (Grade 10) http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc
Activity 2: Computer simulations of ohm’s law and combinations of resistors (Grade 10). http://www.helpmyphysics.co.uk/OHMS_LAW_movie.swf
Activity 2: Computer simulations of ohm’s law and combinations of resistors (Grade 10). http://www.helpmyphysics.co.uk/wheatstonebridge.swf
Activity 2: Computer simulations of ohm’s law and combinations of resistors (Grade 10). http://www.tutorvista.com/physics/animations/resistors-in-combination-activity-1-animation
Activity 3: Computer simulations of magnetic field lines and the right hand rule (Grade 11). http://learnthings.co.za/content/secondary/Home/Whiteboar/Science/Physics/Juniorsec/magnet_00/whiteb_00/activity.swf http://glencoe.com/sec/science/physics/ppp_09/animation/Chapter%2024/First%20and%20Second%20Right-Hand%20Rules.swf. http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/mult.cgi/squizzes/physics/magnets.tdf?0
Activity 4: Computer simulations related to the concept of mechanical energy (Grade 12). http://www.science-animations.com/support-files/energy.swf http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-skate-park-basics
Evaluation and discussion Evaluation rubric for computer simulations activities Discussion and wrap-up Thank you!