Computer Program Detail Page
written by Anne Cox, Wolfgang Christian, and Mario Belloni
supported by the National Science Foundation
The Introductory Physics 1D Motion Lab asks students to develop a computer model for a ball moving vertically under the influence of gravity. When the file is opened, it is initially programmed with a mass moving at constant velocity. It is assumed that students have first collected data of a basketball or volleyball bouncing under a motion detector. The lab instructions fully explain how to build the computer model using Easy Java Simulations modeling tool. The students will learn how to modify the model to simulate a bouncing ball, define variables, calculate relationships, and change the properties for plotting the graph. The calculus is done for the student.
This resource is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. In order to modify the simulation (and see how it is designed), users must install the Easy Java Simulations Modeling and Authoring Tool. SEE RELATED MATERIALS for a link to install the EJS modeling tool.
Please note that this resource requires at least version 1.5 of Java.
Editor's Note: The Easy Java Simulation tool greatly reduces the amount of programming required to develop computer models. Exercises in student-generated modeling are becoming much more widespread in physics education because of the opportunities for students to test and apply their own prototypes to explain and predict physical phenomena.
View the supplemental documents attached to this resource (2)
A pdf document that briefly describes the Ejs Intro 1DMotionLab model. It describes how to use the stp_intro_1DMotionLab.jar file with Ejs and contains… more...
download 133kb .pdf
Published: May 29, 2008
View the source code document attached to this resource
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)
4. The Physical Setting
4B. The Earth
11. Common Themes
12. Habits of Mind
12B. Computation and Estimation
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics Alignments
Standards for Mathematical Practice (K-12)
MP.4 Model with mathematics.
High School — Algebra (9-12)
Creating Equations? (9-12)
High School — Functions (9-12)
Interpreting Functions (9-12)
Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models? (9-12)
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: Kinematics: The Physics of Motion
Unit Title: Modeling Motion
Student modeling provides a great opportunity for kids to test and apply their own prototypes to explain and predict physical phenomena. This model includes explicit step-by-step directions for building the computer model with Easy Java Simulations, a program that greatly reduces the amount of programming required. It asks students to develop a computer model for a ball moving vertically under the influence of gravity. Editor's Note: The activity requires that students have first collected data of a basketball or volleyball bouncing under a motion detector.Link to Unit:
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Ejs Intro 1D Motion Lab Model:
Is Based On Easy Java Simulations Modeling and Authoring Tool
The Easy Java Simulations Modeling and Authoring Tool is needed to explore the computational model used in the Free Fall Air Resistance Model.relation by Caroline Hall
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