Review for:Physics Education Technology (PhET): Projectile Motion

posted: on November 29, 2006 at 5:16PM

Physics

Projectile Motion

For students to see relationship between vertical and horizontal components of projectile motion; to see that complementary angles result in the same ranges; to see that air resistance is a function of the mass of the object, the diameter, the coefficient of drag and the altitude.

Honors or Advanced, Intro or Regular

For honors students, I give them 20 minutes and let them explore, giving them very little direction. At the end, I expect them to turn in 15 observations. We spend some class time going over their observations and I add my own. For the regular class, I give them more specific directions: "Set the cannon to 30 degress and then at 60 degrees. What do you observe?" I also use the simulation during class discussions too illustrate points or correct student misconceptions.

Provides visualization or animation, Provides a virtual lab, Provides practice or tutorial, Increases student engagement and motivation

I like this simulation a lot. It has many features that allow me to go into as much depth as I need to with the students. When the students are using it, they are engaged. It is well made and shows the great sense of humor the designers have. It is very engaging.

However, the simulation, because it offers so much, can become either a distraction for students who are liable too lose focus or overwhelming for those who are easily lost. As a virtual lab, it leaves some things to be desired. Unless the students are kept on task with a specific set of goals, they quickly lose the point of the simulation. I wish there was a way to disable to air resistance as well. Since we are trying to teach them ideal physics, it would be helpful to remove that distraction for some of the students.