Journal 3
February 21, 2008Since the unit that i am preparing for is on DC circuits, I wanted to check out the circuit simulations Ohm’s Law, Parallel Circuit, and Series Circuit. I think this can be used by the students for a quick observation experiment and find relationships between current, voltage, and resistance.
- Language: If you run the Ohm’s Law simulation first, there is no resistance labeled. Rather it is labeled collision-rate-with nuclei so the students can see the relationship between current and collision rate with nuclei. Then later in the Parallel Circuit simulation it connects the physics language “resistance” to the concept of collision rate. I like that the language is not used at first so that the students have a more concrete understanding of resistance and how it is related to current.
- Representation: I like that there’s a graph shown for the simulation for the students to interpret and analyze.
- Isolating Variables to Develop Mathematical Expression: I also like that the relationship between current and voltage can be isolated from the relationship between current and resistance. This way the students can develop mathematical expressions.
- Suggestions for teacher: I like that it gives suggestions for things to try so that the teacher can have a better idea of how to use the simulation.
