A simple two-dimensional model of an ideal gas is described in order to study the time evolution of speed distribution in the framework of Newtonian mechanics. The results of a computer simulation of a system of 16 particles are shown. The approach to equilibrium is followed by observing changes in the experimentally obtained values of Boltzmann's H. An example of a possible way to use this simulation program in an introductory physics course is also given.
The objective of this experimental study is to investigate the relationships among science teacher characteristics and student outcomes. The selected characteristics of teachers are their understanding of science processes and their ability to control variables, and the outcomes of students are the achievement in science contents and processes. The results support the hypothesized relationships and show that the teacher ability to control variables is a more valuable characteristic than the understanding of science processes for student achievement. Conclusions are drawn about the implications for the education of science teachers.
A set of teaching materials dealing with harmonic oscillations was developed as part of a research project investigating the influence of different pedagogical tools on physics learning. The materials incorporate simulation software and laboratory activities associated with Teacher and Student Units. The project involved research groups at seven Italian universities and the materials have been trialled in high schools nation‐wide. This paper describes the experimental protocol for the use of these materials in pilot classes and the evaluation of student learning and teacher training results. The intervention was found to improve physics education at school praxis level and to promote understanding of the content area as well as appreciation of the role of experiments and simulations in the construction of scientific knowledge
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