Promoting independent learning in the topic of Gravitation

Promoting independent learning in the topic of Gravitation using Easy-Java Simulations (60 min sharing) Jimmy Goh Giam Hwee (HOD/Sc, YJC) Tan Hao Kai (Physics teacher, YJC) Wee Loo Kang (ETO, MOEHQ-ETD)

OVERVIEW • • • Rationale Design Implementation Students’ work Reflection from students & teachers Hands-on + Q&A

RATIONALE • Physics is best learnt by inquiry through hands -on exploration. • Difficult to conduct experiment on topics like Gravitation in school laboratories. • Many students fail to visualise the gravitational effects of huge masses and the motion of satellites. • No physical meaning to the numbercrunching.

DESIGN • To learn Physics by 5 E inquiry model • Four simulations were selected to address concepts on: (1) (2) (3) (4) Gravitational field strength and potential; Escape velocity; Geostationary orbit; Kepler’s Third law. • These simulations were infused strategically into existing set of tutorial questions to enhance students’ learning.

Example (Field strength vs potential) DESIGN

Example (Escape velocity) DESIGN

IMPLEMENTATION • Pilot study on one JC 1 class of 22 H 2 Physics students in July 2011. • Every student borrowed a school laptop loaded with the necessary software and simulations. • Students were introduced to the simulations at the first lesson and engaged to ask questions.

IMPLEMENTATION • Students explored the simulations outside class at their own pace, guided by the worksheet questions. [Self-directed learning] • Students explained their understanding in small groups and engaged in peer teaching. [Collaborative learning] • Teacher asked questions to extend learning. • Selected groups to do class presentation and evaluate what they have learnt.

STUDENTS’ WORK 1. To understand the concepts of gravitational field strength and potential

STUDENTS’ WORK 2. To understand escape velocity Moon Earth

STUDENTS’ WORK 3. To understand Geostationary orbit Mode 6 Mode 7

STUDENTS’ WORK 4. To understand Kepler’s 3 rd law

REFLECTION By students:

REFLECTION By students:

REFLECTION By students:

REFLECTION By teacher: • Help students visualise the effect of gravitation, motion of satellite, etc. • Manipulation of parameters allows independent learning outside curriculum time • Cooperative learning during classroom discussion. • However, teacher needs curriculum time at the initial stage to guide students on the applets. • Guiding questions need to be more thoughtprovoking.

Hands-on + Q&A http: //weelookang. blogspot. com/2011/11/4 th-jc-physics-ipsg-sharingpromoting. html#!/2011/11/4 th-jc-physics-ipsg-sharing-promoting. html 1) Tapping on ICT to understand the fundamental concepts of gravitational field strength and potential and how they vary with distance from the mass 11 b) Extension of question using ICT to understand gnet and net between Earth & Moon and escape velocity 12) Tapping on ICT to understand Geostationary orbit 16) Tapping on ICT to understand Kepler’s 3 rd law