Briefing Document: Open Source Physics and Educational Simulations in Singapore

1. Overview

This document summarizes information from a webpage detailing a "Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series" workshop held in Singapore on August 17, 2012, and related projects of the Open Educational Resources/Open Source Physics @ Singapore initiative. The primary focus is on the use of Easy Java Simulation (EJS) to create interactive physics models for educational purposes. This initiative emphasizes active learning, constructionism, and the leveraging of open-source resources.

2. Key Themes and Ideas

• Active Learning with Simulations: The core concept is to utilize computer simulations, specifically those created using EJS, as tools to foster active inquiry-based learning in physics education. The workshop and the broader project aim to empower teachers to create their own simulations, which can then be used by students to explore physical phenomena.
• Quote: "In this workshop, participants get to experience how to create simple physics computer model that can be used as tools for students’ active inquiry learning with, augmented with real equipment where appropriate."
• Constructionism & Teacher Empowerment: The approach is rooted in constructionism, the idea that people learn best when actively building or creating things. Teachers are encouraged to learn alongside their students, potentially through project-based activities. The workshop empowers teachers by showing them how to build their own simulations.
• Quote: "The pedagogy of learning by making also known as constructionism, is also afforded when teachers themselves are willing to learn together with the students, perhaps as a project based activity."
• Open Source Resources: The project heavily relies on and promotes the use of open-source physics resources, primarily from the Open Source Physics Research community. Links to compadre.org/osp/ and phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/ are explicitly provided. This highlights the project's commitment to sharing and customization of materials.
• Quote: "Lastly, the vast resources created by the Open Source Physics Research community... will be shared, presents a huge opportunity for educators to customize the digital libraries computer models into suitable tools for active learning with technology."
• Easy Java Simulation (EJS): EJS is the primary tool used for creating the physics simulations. The document lists numerous workshops and events related to EJS usage. This suggests that EJS is central to their strategy of easily building simulations.
• Integration of Real Equipment: The document explicitly mentions augmenting simulations with real-world equipment where appropriate. This demonstrates that the simulations are seen as tools to supplement, not replace, hands-on learning experiences.
• Wide Reach and Collaboration: The document lists numerous workshops, talks, and collaborations across different institutions and educational levels. This suggests the OSP initiative has a broad reach in Singapore. There are also collaborations with universities, as well as Primary, Secondary, and Junior College level educators.
• Diverse Applications: The long list of specific models at the end of the document show that simulations can be used to model a wide variety of topics from classical mechanics (like projectile motion, collisions, and oscillations) to electromagnetism, optics, waves, and even areas of primary and secondary school mathematics.

3. Important Facts & Details

• Workshop Details: The "Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series" workshop was held on August 17, 2012, at River Valley High School, facilitated by Lee Tat Leong and Wee Loo Kang. Participants were required to bring their own laptops, indicating the hands-on nature of the session.
• Key Individuals: The frequent mention of Lee Tat Leong and Wee Loo Kang, along with their affiliations and workshop appearances throughout the document suggests they are key leaders in this initiative. There are also multiple mentions of Prof. Francisco Esquembre and Wolfgang Christian, who are both notable figures in the Open Source Physics community.
• Resources: The links provided to the OSP website and Java applets at phy.ntnu.edu.tw are crucial for educators wishing to leverage these resources for their own teaching. The facebook link provided suggests they were using social media to increase interest.
• Long Term Engagement: The number of workshops, seminars, and projects listed show an ongoing effort to promote OSP and its integration into Singaporean schools. The dates span from 2011 to 2025, indicating a long-term effort and a dynamic and evolving project.
• Awards and Recognition: The initiative has received recognition, including a "GOLD Innergy Award 2016," further validating the impact and importance of the OSP work.
• Specific Examples: The extensive list of models at the end demonstrates the range of simulations created, and that they can be for many different purposes and subject matter. These range from physics specific phenomena (e.g. "Projectile Motion Energy Model") to demonstrations of basic mathematical principles (e.g. "Part Part Whole Primary Math Model")
• Licensing: The project uses Creative Commons license, making their resources widely accessible. Note that the Easy JavaScriptSimulations Library requires a separate commercial license and direct contact with fem@um.es.

4. Conclusion

The "Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series" and the broader Open Source Physics initiative in Singapore represent a significant effort to enhance physics education through the use of interactive simulations. The project's emphasis on active learning, constructionism, open resources, and teacher empowerment provides a model for how technology can be effectively integrated into the classroom. The numerous events and collaborations highlight the growing interest in and adoption of open-source physics tools in Singapore's educational landscape. The long list of resources and links make a wide variety of models and tools available to anyone interested in improving physics education.

http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2012/07/physics-subject-chapter-brown-bag.html

Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series by STs/LTs Using easy java simulation to build simple physics models.

Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series by STs/LTs Using easy java simulation to build simple physics models.

example of EJS authoring toolkit created by Paco

 

Facilitator: Lee Tat Leong & Wee Loo Kang

Venue: River Valley High School, Computer Lab 1

Date: 17 August 2012

Time: 1430-1730

Equipment: Bring Your Own Laptop
Refreshment: http://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/menu/buffet/2013/displaymenu.asp?catcode=buffet&menucode=2013&menu=corporate $4 per Person (min.40 person) 7 Courses + 1 Beverage thanks to Sze Yee for leading this.

Title: Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series by STs/LTs Using easy java simulation to build simple physics models.

 

Using easy java simulation to build simple physics models.

In this workshop, participants get to experience how to create simple physics computer model that can be used as tools for students’ active inquiry learning with, augmented with real equipment where appropriate.

The pedagogy of learning by making also known as constructionism, is also afforded when teachers themselves are willing to learn together with the students, perhaps as a project based activity.

Lastly, the vast resources created by the Open Source Physics Research community

1.    http://www.compadre.org/osp/

2.    http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/

will be shared, presents a huge opportunity for educators to customize the digital libraries computer models into suitable tools for active learning with technology.      

http://www.facebook.com/events/410181455689504/

currently, on facebook 7 attending

Going (7)

• 
  

  Loo Kang Lawrence Wee

  • Works at Ministry of Education

 

Julie Quah   Ong Chee Wah Works at Innova Junior College   Lye Sze Yee Beacon Primary School   Ang Joo Liak   Yuan Tao   Lim Ai Phing Works at River Valley High School

FAQ: Open Source Physics Simulations and Educational Tools

• What is Easy Java/JavaScript Simulation (EJS/EJSS) and how is it used in physics education?
• EJS and EJSS are authoring toolkits that allow educators to create interactive computer models and simulations of physics phenomena. These tools enable teachers to design customized digital resources that students can use for active inquiry learning. By manipulating variables and observing the outcomes, students gain a deeper understanding of the underlying physical principles. These simulations can be used in conjunction with real-world experiments to augment learning and engage students more actively.
• What is the pedagogical approach behind using these simulations?
• The primary pedagogy is constructionism, also known as "learning by making." This approach encourages teachers and students to learn together through project-based activities, where they build and explore models. This hands-on approach contrasts with traditional lecture-based learning, which can be passive for learners. The active engagement afforded by EJS and EJSS promotes deeper conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
• Where can educators find ready-made simulations and models?
• The Open Source Physics (OSP) research community provides vast resources for educators. Key platforms include the ComPADRE OSP website (http://www.compadre.org/osp/) and the Open Source Physics at Singapore site (http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/). These sites offer numerous pre-built simulations that can be customized for different learning contexts.
• What kind of physics concepts can be explored using these simulations?
• The simulations cover a wide array of physics concepts, including but not limited to: kinematics (motion), dynamics (forces), energy, electromagnetism, waves, optics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Specific examples mentioned include projectile motion, circular motion, simple harmonic motion, collisions, the Doppler effect, electric and magnetic fields, wave interference, and the photoelectric effect. The versatility of these tools means that educators can tailor simulations to specific topics in their curricula.
• How does the use of Tracker software complement the simulations?

Tracker software is a video analysis and modeling tool that enhances the learning experience. It allows students to analyze real-world videos of physical phenomena and create their own models by combining the video data and their own input. This bridges the gap between simulated models and actual observations, leading to a better understanding of how physical models relate to the real world. This approach also develops scientific inquiry and modelling skills.

• What is the Open Source Physics (OSP) community, and how can educators get involved?
• The OSP community is a global network of educators and researchers that promotes the use of freely accessible resources for physics education. Educators can get involved by using and adapting existing simulations, contributing new simulations, attending workshops and seminars, and engaging in collaborative projects. The community's philosophy is rooted in sharing and improving educational tools, making them available to all.
• What is the significance of the many workshops and talks listed in the source?
• The workshops and talks listed illustrate the ongoing professional development efforts to equip educators with the skills to utilize EJS/EJSS and related tools effectively. These sessions cover topics such as creating simulations, video analysis, and integrating these resources into teaching practices. The frequent occurrence of these workshops underscores the focus on continuous learning and innovation within the educational community.
• Are these simulations and tools available for commercial use?
• The simulations and models themselves are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, meaning they can be freely used and shared, provided attribution is given, and derivatives are also shared under a similar license. However, the use of the EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library for commercial purposes requires contacting the University of Murcia (fem@um.es) directly and following their license terms (https://www.um.es/fem/EjsWiki/Main/EJSLicense).