Filed under: technology education
I was talking with Jim Gates the other day about incorporating interactive content into my Moodle course when we got onto the topic of java applets. Typically, these little gems run within their own ’sandbox,’ and can be linked to or downloaded for use in the classroom with very little difficulty. We did a quick search for “circuit construction java applet” on Google and quickly located the Physics Education Technology (PhET) website hosted by the University of Colorado at Boulder. We clicked on the link and were instantly presented with an image of a nifty circuit construction simulation offered as part of PhET’s impressive collection of Interactive Physics Simulations. Some of the other simulations found within their Electricity, Magnets, & Circuits area are:
- Ohm’s Law
- Balloons and Static Electricity
- Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab
- John Travoltage (check it out, you’ll be amused!)
- Battery Voltage
- Semiconductors
These simulations are very easy to use and are written in Java and Flash. I especially like the flexibility they provide in that they may be run using a standard web browser (a very light footprint file must be downloaded) or saved to your computer’s hard drive for use when Internet connectivity is not an option. You may download any number or all of the modules provided on the site, and PhET will notify you of updates via email. Did I mention that these applets are free? Very cool.
I played around with the circuit construction simulation and found it to be very well designed. I chose to run it via my Firefox browser and it functioned perfectly. I created a short demonstration of this applet’s functionality, which can be seen below:
We cover a lot of different subjects in my class, and tools like this will really help me provide my students with enrichment activities – even when my schedule may not allow time to work in the shop. If we do end up moving on to more advanced projects, these applets will function as a great precursor to working with actual hands on materials. In short, students will be more familiar with how various components fit together, which will lead to increased learner success – not to mention a smaller amount of wasted materials!
One final word. There are some excellent lesson plans and project ideas associated with the applets on this site, which have been contributed by educators from all over. As you use these simulations and their associated resources, be sure to head back to the PhET website so you can share any lessons or projects you have developed.
Technorati Tags: technology education, circuits, java applet, virtual learning
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