New Physics Front collection resources

A. Einstein--Image and Impact

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:55:23 EST

This online exhibit on the life of Albert Einstein takes a somewhat less orthodox approach. How did an ordinary patent clerk with an undistinguished college record evolve into one of the most profound thinkers of all time, whose contributions to theoretical physics changed the world? Was it the structure of his brain (the exhibit delves into images of Einstein's brain taken after his death). Was it the support of key friends and family members at an early age? Was it his associations with noted physicists such as Max Planck? Was it innate curiosity coupled with an aptitude for mathematics? Einstein’s major achievements, his public and personal life, his philosophy, and his political activism are all explored in this resource produced by the American Institute of Physics. Archived speech clips, photos, quotations, and essays serve to bring the exhibit to life. A “Site Contents” section provides an overview and facilitates navigation within the exhibit.

Project 2061: Science Educator’s Guide to Selecting High-Quality Instructional Materials

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:37:43 EST

This web site presents a method for judging the quality of K-12 teaching materials, both in print and online. It is based on research on effective science teaching and learning and national science education standards. The guide provides a step-by-step procedure for performing a critical review of instructional materials based on learning goals and learning activities. The web site includes examples from textbooks that have received high and low ratings, interactive tutorials, files that can be used as templates for recording evaluation judgments, and links to useful online resources. This resource was produced by Project 2061, a long-term initiative of the American Association for the Advancement (AAAS) to advance literacy in science, mathematics, and technology. The AAAS is the organization that developed Benchmarks for Science Literacy, a set of widely-used learning sequences derived from the recommendations in the landmark report Science for All Americans.

Marie Curie and the Science of Radioactivity

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:46:59 EST

This digital exhibit explores the life and accomplishments of Marie Curie, the Nobel-Prize winning physicist who discovered the radioactive elements polonium and radium. The exhibit integrates primary source lab notes, diary and journal entries, and historic photos to give a poignant view of Curie's struggles: growing up in the Russian-controlled Poland of the late 19th Century, being the target of repeated discrimination during her higher education in Paris, working with radioactive materials in substandard lab conditions, dealing with the consuming grief of her husband, Pierre's, accidental death in 1906, and overcoming challenges to win two Nobel Prizes. Editor's Note: We highly recommend this resource to help students grasp the hardships and obstacles often faced by pioneering scientists, especially women and minorities. The segment on Pierre Curie's death is a tear-jerker, but will generate plenty of respect for Curie's tenacity. For a simulation on the same topic, see Related Materials: PhET Alpha Decay, which contains a very good accompanying lesson plan for high school teachers.

Center for History of Physics: Bright Idea - The First Lasers

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:50:01 EST

This digital exhibit takes the learner on a journey into the discovery of laser technology in the 20th century. It weaves primary source audio clips with archival photos to provide a context for understanding the impact of lasers. The technological innovation is only part of the picture. Who would win the "race" to patent the first laser? How did physicists and engineers work together to bring the technology to market? How have lasers changed the landscape of medicine, manufacturing, and retailing? Interactive tutorials, embedded into the exhibit, are offered to introduce the physics of lasers to audiences with little or no background in the subject.

Kepler Mission: A Search for Habitable Planets

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:44:20 EST

NASA's Kepler Mission was launched in 2009 with the focused goal of surveying regions of the Milky Way Galaxy to discover Earth-size planets. The spacecraft's detection instrument is a photometer that continually monitors 145,000 stars to locate exoplanets in the "habitable zone" of a star, where liquid water and possibly life might exist. The website tracks information about mission results, with more than 2,000 candidates identified after the first year's operation. Of those, two Earth-size candidates have been confirmed as of January, 2012. Educators will also find classroom activities, interactive resources, simple animations showing how the detection system works, and galleries of photos, videos and 3D images. Editor's Note: The Kepler Mission employs the Transit Method of exoplanet detection. The spacecraft's photometer observes repeated transits of planets in front of their stars, which causes a detectible reduction in the star's brightness. See Related Materials for an animation that will help students understand the Transit Method.

PlanetQuest: The Search for Another Earth

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:33:23 EST

PlanetQuest is a website dedicated to keeping the public updated and informed about the recent discoveries of extrasolar planets. The website provides information on current and past exploratory missions, technology used to detect extrasolar planets, images and videos, and vignettes about the people and projects involved in discovering other planets. Educators will find a collection of activities, interactive simulations, animations, and a photo gallery. Don't miss the Extreme Planet Makeover and the PlanetQuest Timeline.

exoplanets.org: Exoplanet Data Explorer

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:21:33 EST

The Exoplanet Data Explorer is an interactive table and plotter for exploring and displaying data from the Exoplanet Orbit Database. The database is a regularly-updated compilation of spectroscopic orbital parameters of exoplanets orbiting normal stars from the peer-reviewed literature. In addition to the data plotter, exoplanets.org provides a springboard for learners with little background in astronomy to enter the search for planets outside of our solar system. Don't miss the links to an "Exoplanet Encyclopedia", the Kepler Mission, timely publications and research on the topic, and websites for amateur planet hunters. Note: This resource may be viewed in the latest versions of Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Hydrogen Energy Levels Module

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:38:19 EST

This digital lab introduces the concept of how quantum mechanics and light relate with respect to the Hydrogen atom. The module revolves around the Hydrogen Atom Simulator, a Bohr model version of a idealized hydrogen atom as it interacts with photons of various wavelengths. Watch the electron jump to higher energy levels as it absorbs photons, then emit photon(s) and drop back to a lower level. Students can drag the electron between levels and shoot photons of different wavelength/frequency at the atom. The module also includes an instructor's manual, student guide, worksheets, and background information requisite to understanding the concepts. The Thermal Distribution histogram gives a temperature dependent plot of occupied states for many, many atoms. See Related Materials for two additional simulation-based resources devoted to the same topic, recommended by the editors. This is part of a collection of astronomy applets.

Energy: How Does It Impact Our Lives

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:00:01 EST

This set of student activities promotes understanding of global issues stemming from human consumption of energy. Developed for use in middle schools, the materials are divided into three units: 1) Issues related to fossil fuels, 2)Human use of energy and how it has changed over time, and 3) Concepts of energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy sources. The units each contain several activities, teaching tips, supplementary resources, and interdisciplinary connections. Editor's Note: This cross-curricular module provides opportunities for students to investigate their own carbon footprints and reflect on the implications of unchecked fuel consumption. We suggest supplementing it with a PhET simulation, "The Greenhouse Effect": (see Related Materials). This is one of several similar modules and activity books regarding science, technology, and societal issues.

Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Lunar Phases Lab

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:07:22 EST

This simulation-based module demonstrates how the earth-sun-moon geometry gives rise to the phases of the moon as seen from earth. Initially, students explore a moon bisector demo to determine moon phase. Next, simulations provide perspectives of an observer looking down on earth and an observer standing on earth looking into the sky. Students can observe the path of the moon around the earth and see how the phases of the moon change. Instructor resources are available including student manuals, assessment materials, and a list of the assumptions used. Editor's Note: This lab offers 3 animations and 3 interactive simulations to help students visualize lunar phases. The complete lab is appropriate for high school. Middle school teachers can select from the simpler animations. This resource is part of a collection of digital astronomy labs.

Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: The Rotating Sky Module

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:32:35 EST

This simulation-based module introduces the Horizon Coordinate system and the Equatorial Coordinate system of mapping the sky. The relationship between the two coordinate systems is explicitly explored. Students can change the rate of rotation, the position of the observer, and add or delete stars in the sky. Instructor resources are available including student manuals, assessment materials, and a list of the assumptions used. Editor's Note:The Horizon Coordinate system is defined with respect to an individual observer standing on the earth. The Equatorial Coordinate system maps celestial objects by projecting the Earth's geographic poles and equator onto the celestial sphere. Both systems have advantages/disadvantages, and this module explores each. This is part of a collection of astronomy applets.

Physics Classroom: Free Fall and Air Resistance

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:38:53 EST

This editor-recommended interactive tutorial from The Physics Classroom discusses why free falling objects fall with an acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s and explains the effect of air resistance of a falling object. It also explores why objects that encounter air resistance ultimately reach a terminal velocity. Students will be engaged by the simple language, informative graphics and interactive widgets. Several animations are linked to from this page. See Related Materials for a link to an interactive Java simulation that will help students visualize what happens to free falling objects with and without the influence of air resistance.

CERES Lesson Plans: Studying Planetary Orbital Paths

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:46:01 EST

This page from CERES (Center for Educational Resources Project) features a module for middle school on the topic of orbital motion. It was developed by a team of teachers, NASA researchers, and university faculty and integrates unifying themes in physical science with astronomy concepts. In this module, you'll find: full standards-based lesson plan, background information on Kepler's Laws and planetary motion, a hands-on activity for modeling conic sections, an online orbit simulator, and assessment suggestions. Editor's Note This resource was designed help kids make the connection between the orbital period and the mean distance from the object being orbited. The Conic Sections modeling activity introduces the concept of eccentricity in a way that adolescents can understand.

Swing Ride Model

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:42:39 EST

The Swing Ride Model simulates a type of ride that can be found at many carnivals and amusement parks. Riders sit in chairs suspended from the ends of support cables. These supports rotate about an axis that can be tilted with respect to the vertical. Students use sliders to control the rotation rate, tilt, height of the supports from ground level, radius of circular motion, and length of the support cables. The controls are lagged to prevent unrealistic changes to the physical system. Editor's Note: This model can be used to explore several concepts, including centripetal acceleration, equilibrium, spring energy, and central forces. How can the parameters be set to prevent serious injury to passengers? At what point could the circular motion become chaotic? Why do ride designs often call for hydraulic dampers to reduce the movement of the swings? The Swing Ride Model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the jar file will run the program if Java is installed.

Simple Circular Motion Model

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:11:11 EST

This simulation is a simple model of rides like an amusement park Merry-Go-Round. The rotational speed and radial distance are controlled with sliders at the bottom of the applet, while net horizontal force on the riders is monitored in the accompanying graph in terms of g-force experienced by riders. Editor's Note The 3D formatting is very useful for viewing the motion from a variety of vantage points. Kids discover for themselves how rotational speed and radial distance interact to create a more thrilling ride. Don't miss the page link to "Physiological impact of g-forces". Students will learn that setting the speed and radial distance at the highest points will result in g-forces that exceed space shuttle re-entry and fighter jets at high speed. The Simple Circular Motion Model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the jar file will run the program if Java is installed.

Merry Mixer Ride Model

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:58:33 EST

Anyone who has ridden "The Scrambler" ride at an amusement park will be familiar with the system depicted in this simulation. The Merry Mixer Ride Model shows the interaction of two superimposed circular motions. The main frame of the ride rotates in one direction, while a second rotation at the ends of the frame arms carries the riders in an additional circular motion, usually in the opposite direction. Students can control the two rotation rates and the radii of the two orbits. Horizontal force vectors can be displayed, as well as a graph of the g-force on the rider vs. time. What parameters will give the maximum acceleration to the riders? What parameters will cause riders to crash into the center pole? The simulation is formatted in 3D to allow users to change their visual perspective. The Merry Mixer Ride Model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the jar file will run the program if Java is installed.

Energizer Model

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:22:51 EST

The Easy Java Energizer model explores the relationship between kinetic, potential, and total energy. Students drag markers to create a 1-D curved track, then drag the motion marker to set an initial position on the track. The "hills" can be large or small in height. Click "Play" and watch the object travel along the user-created curve. Bar graphs of kinetic (KE), potential (PE), and total energy (TE), are displayed in real time alongside the curve. Below the energy chart, a graph of resulting force is also displayed. Download File Below Editor's Note: This model is a simple, yet powerful way to introduce the Work/Energy Theorem. It can be easily adapted for middle school classrooms, and extended into an investigation of force vectors for high school physics courses. The Energizer model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the jar file will run the program if Java is installed.

Practicing versus inventing with contrasting cases: The effects of telling first on learning and transfer.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 10:06:07 EST

Being told procedures and concepts before problem solving can inadvertently undermine the learning of deep structures in physics. If students do not learn the underlying structure of physical phenomena, they will exhibit poor transfer. Two studies on teaching physics to adolescents compared the effects of “telling” students before and after problem solving. In Experiment 1 (N = 128), students in a tell-and-practice condition were told the relevant concepts and formulas (e.g., density) before practicing on a set of contrasting cases for each lesson. Students in an invent-with-contrasting-cases (ICC) condition had to invent formulas using the same cases and were told only afterward. Both groups exhibited equal proficiency at using the formulas on word problems. However, ICC students better learned the ratio structure of the physical phenomena and transferred more frequently to semantically unrelated topics that also had a ratio structure (e.g., spring constant). Experiment 2 (N = 120) clarified the sources of the effects while showing that ICC benefited both low- and high-achieving students. Editor's Note: See Related Materials for a link to a cost-free pdf version of this resource.

Motion, Force, and Mechanical Energy - A Curricular Unit for Introductory Physical Science

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:11:18 EST

This web site provides the resources for three inquiry-based curricular units for introductory physical science. Each unit features a context-based approach, as students investigate objects and processes that occur in real life -- stopping distance and inertia, car speeds, and roller coaster science. Topics include balanced and unbalanced forces, velocity and acceleration, motion graphing, and an introduction to work/energy concepts. These units provide reproducible student worksheets, lab manuals, and assessments for each topic. The materials are appropriate for grades 8-10. Editor's Note Some files within this resource are marked "Secure" and are for use only by teaching professionals. They may be accessed by contacting the author. In addtion, the authors recommend the use of computer probe technology to enhance student learning, however, it is not required.

Selected Readings for Physics Education Researchers within and beyond PER

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:47:11 EST

At the 2011 Foundations and Frontiers PER Conference, a subgroup of attendees developed a list of Selected Readings for PER. The Selected Readings are a compilation of publications within and beyond the PER literature relevant to PER, its underlying theories, and its research methodologies. The resource is not meant to include all papers on each topic, but to provide 1-3 papers that may serve as a starting point for learning about each topic.