Pulley Video

Another resource for Physics!  I’ve been looking for additional simulations, videos, presentations, etc. to enhance our Physics courses.  I found this video about how to solve a pulley problem.  It explains the physics involved and how to solve the math involved with it.  It is a really nice visual of how to do this type of problem.  I could see us using this to supplement classes or even challenging our students to make similar videos.

Social Media in Higher Education

I recently discovered a new resource for education and other information.  SlideShare is a website that has presentations and videos on a variety of topics including education.  There are lots of presentations made by individuals and organizations.  You can search for a specific topic or even upload your own presentation.  

I found the following presentation very interesting.  As we become more technological, more and more schools are embracing social media in the classroom.  This slideshow discusses that.  It talks about who is using social media in the classroom and the different types of social media that can be used.  Some are more appropriate for different situations.  I know that some educators are hesitant to use social media in the classroom.  It will be interesting to see how this topic evolves in the future.

Social Media in College Teaching and Training from Paul Brown

Satellite and Planetary Motion

Yesterday our Principles of Physics I course was focusing on satellite and planetary motion.  Obviously this is something that we can’t really see in person in the classroom.  In order to give students a good visualization of the motion and let them take some data, we employ an online simulation.  

My Solar System Simulation

This simulation allows you to explore planetary and satellite motion by seeing two circles move around one another.  With some instruction, students can play with different factors affecting the motion including mass and position.  We have had good success with students using this simulation to not only visualize the situation but be able to take some data.  

In addition, we use a conic sections as shown to show how orbits change depending on angles.  Students can see how a cone intersected at different angles produces circles or parabolas.  This again helps with visualizing orbits.