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.
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.
The blog looks great. I believe your access to the Blogs in Education course is now closed. However, you can review your final score by looking the EDT 521 grade center on Blackboard.
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