Application of computer simulations in modern physics education - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Application of computer simulations in modern physics education

István Basa ELTE Fizika Doktori Iskola Fizika Tanítása Program

Challenges in teaching modern physics

• What is modern physics?

– physics based on new theories found in the early 20th century – physics used for understanding the underlying processes of the interactions of matter – physics currently in development? – physics they use for our more and more common everyday tools!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Modernphysicsfields.svg

Challenges in teaching modern physics

• Teaching modern physics is essential...

...I guess?

Hungarian curriculum:

• 7-11th grades (12-17 yrs)
• 7-8th grades: brief overview without modern physics
• 9th grade: dynamics, fluid dynamics
• 10th grade: thermodynamics, electrostatics, direct currents
• 11th grade:

– first term: oscillations, waves, electromagnetism, alternating currents – second term: optics, astronomy and MODERN PHYSICS including photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, relativity, atomic models, nuclear physics

Challenges in teaching modern physics

• Teaching modern physics is challenging itself

– far-from-everyday-approach theories – too small, too fast or too slow scales – too many participants – lack of experimental tools

• ...yet not that hard...

– motivating topics – easy-to-use laws and formulas

Challenges in teaching modern physics

ℎ𝑔 = 𝑉 + 𝐹𝑙𝑗𝑜

Using computer simulations

• How computer simulations can solve these?

– far-from-approach theories – too small, too fast or too slow scales, too many participants – lack of experimental tools – lack of time in the curriculum

Using computer simulations

• How computer simulations can solve these?

 far-from-approach theories – too small, too fast or too slow scales, too many participants – lack of experimental tools – lack of time in the curriculum

Simulations can simplify images

...and with great simplification comes great responsibility!

Using computer simulations

Using computer simulations

• How computer simulations can solve these?

 far-from-approach theories  too small, too fast or too slow scales, too many participants – lack of experimental tools – lack of time in the curriculum

Simulations can be fast or slow enough You can work with many participants

Using computer simulations

Using computer simulations

• How computer simulations can solve these?

 far-from-approach theories  too small, too fast or too slow scales  lack of experimental tools – lack of time in the curriculum

Simulations need only one computer

– Students can experiment, observe and obtain own experiences – Students can manipulate, measure and discover on their own

Using computer simulations

Using computer simulations

• How computer simulations can solve these?

 far-from-approach theories  too small, too fast or too slow scales  lack of experimental tools  lack of time in the curriculum

Digital classrooms, project works

Using computer simulations

Using computer simulations

• Plans on research and development of my PhD

– explore currently available simulations and researches in the topic – develop and test 8-10 simulations in topics such as the photoelectric effect, brownian motion, atomic models and nuclear physics

• experiments and measurements are both vital parts
• develop and test student activities

– introduce the simulations in several schools nation- and worldwide – compare results with control groups

• possible changes in approach and understanding
• possible progression in solving exercises
• possible motivational aspects

Using computer simulations

Simulating the photoelectric effect

• The simulation

– JetBrains WebStorm – Html5-based simulation (multiple devices, even smartphones)

Simulating the photoelectric effect

• Existing simulations

– http://lectureonline.cl.msu.edu/~mmp/kap28/PhotoEffect/photo.htm

• few visual implements
• current vs voltage graph is wrong
• current vs wavelength graph is

problematic

• few optional student activities

Simulating the photoelectric effect

Simulating the photoelectric effect

• Existing simulations

– http://lpscience.fatcow.com/mgagnon/Photoelectric_Effect/photoelectriceffect1.htm

• few possible settings
• cannot make graphs
• visuals are problematic
• few optional student activities

Simulating the photoelectric effect

Simulating the photoelectric effect

• Existing simulations

– http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/photoeffect.htm

• graphics a little confusing
• no visual implements
• few options
• few optional student activities

Simulating the photoelectric effect

Simulating the photoelectric effect

• Existing simulations

– http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=342.0

• both automatic and manual settings, dynamic view
• more realistic approach, yet problematic graph and curve
• few possible settings

Simulating the photoelectric effect

Simulating the photoelectric effect

• Existing simulations

– http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/photoelectric

• great visual implements
• realistic simulation and data
• dynamic settings
• few possible measurements

Simulating the photoelectric effect

Thank you for your attention!

Email to: sixfreed@gmail.com

Picture sources: Introduction slide and headers: https://pixabay.com/en/light-yellow-red-frequency-bokeh-567759/ Slide 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_physics#/media/File:Modernphysicsfields.svg Slide 4: http://waiferx.blogspot.hu/2013/01/presentation-double-slit-interference.html http://cdn.iopscience.com/images/0954-3899/27/1/101/Full/img13.gif Slide 6: https://openclipart.org/detail/5456/atom http://txboi001.deviantart.com/art/Spider-Man-COLOR-267238355