Easy Java Simulation one-dimensional collision carts virtual laboratory model¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · 3 claims (2 for, 1 against) · 1 study (1 design), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

An Easy Java Simulation (EJS) computer model of idealized one-dimensional collision carts, built on Open Source Physics community code and released as a virtual laboratory with a world view and bottom control panel for student-directed inquiry activities. As the author writes, "the two-body collision carts model is simulated by both continuous dynamics and discrete transition, where the system dynamics change discretely and the state values jump when the two carts collide". Collision outcomes are set by a coefficient of restitution, and the model lets students see that total momentum is conserved while kinetic energy loss is zero only for perfectly elastic collisions. The equations are stated to be applicable to other modeling tools such as VPython or Modellus.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• EJS authoring tool (or an equivalent modeling tool such as VPython or Modellus) to implement equations (1) to (7)

Constraints¶

• Idealized frictionless conditions that are almost impossible to achieve using real laboratory equipment; the simulation itself lacks random measurement errors present in real equipment

Target Learners¶

• GCE Advanced Level physics students

Target Learning Goals¶

• conservation of linear momentum
• elastic versus inelastic collisions and kinetic energy loss

Claims¶

• Some students found the guided-inquiry worksheet activities insufficiently thought-provoking and the data exchange troublesome [-W]
• After a guided-inquiry lesson with the collision-carts simulation, students' self-reported knowledge of the physics increased and most rated the lesson enjoyable and valuable [+W]
• Students reported that the virtual-lab lesson made learning fun, helped them figure out concepts themselves, and supported thinking like real scientists [+W]

Related Elements¶

• Open Source Physics toolkit: Easy Java Simulations and Tracker for creating and customising free physics computer models
• Tracker: free video analysis and modeling tool built on the Open Source Physics Java framework

Examples¶

• Add a game mode with input fields and customized feedback to a physics simulation for concept testing

Key Sources¶

• Loo Kang WEE. (2015). One-Dimensional Collision Carts Computer Model and its Design Ideas for Productive Experiential Learning. http://iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/physics/02-newtonian-mechanics/02-dynamics/46-one-dimension-collision-js-model