Translations

Code	Language		Translator	Run

Credits

weelookang@gmail.com; Francisco Esquembre; Felix J. Garcia Clemente

Briefing Document: Symmetry Letter Applet & Open Source Physics @ Singapore

1. Overview

This document summarizes information from a webpage hosted by Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore (OER/OSP@SG), focusing on a specific interactive resource: the "Symmetry Letter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model." The page also provides insight into the larger OER/OSP@SG project, its scope, and its activities.

2. Key Themes and Ideas

• Open Educational Resources: The primary theme is the provision of freely accessible educational tools and materials. The website emphasizes "Open Educational Resources" and "Open Source Physics," indicating a commitment to sharing resources for educational use. This aligns with the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License that the content is published under.
• Interactive Simulations: The core of the project is the creation and dissemination of interactive simulations using JavaScript, HTML5, and other technologies (some converted from Java). The "Symmetry Letter Applet" is just one example of this. This model is described as being embeddable:
• "Embed this model in a webpage: "
• Focus on STEM Education: The resources seem heavily geared toward STEM subjects, particularly mathematics and physics. This is evidenced by the numerous applets relating to mechanics, electromagnetism, geometry, and other related fields. For instance, applets like "Projectile Motion with System of Masses and Spring," "Velocity Selector Electric and Magnetic Force," and "Volume of Pyramid in 3D WebGL" are mentioned. There are also multiple applets aimed at elementary level math.
• Technology Integration: The project showcases the use of technology to enhance learning, utilizing simulations, interactive applets, and other digital tools. The project seems to convert existing resources such as applets from the Easy Java Simulation environment and convert them to the more web-friendly Javascript/HTML5 format.
• Teacher Resources and Training: While the specifics of learning goals and teacher resources are not provided (marked with "[texthttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ionicframework.symmetryletter") indicates the intent to reach different platforms.

3. Specific Details about the Symmetry Letter Applet

• Function: The "Symmetry Letter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" likely allows users to explore the concept of line symmetry with letters.
• Technology: It is built using JavaScript and HTML5, making it web-based and accessible on various devices without requiring special plugins.
• Availability: It can be embedded into webpages using an iframe, making it easy to incorporate into other educational resources.

4. Notable Project Elements and Examples

• Applet Variety: There is a huge range of simulation topics represented, indicating a broad educational focus. There are applets across topics such as projectile motion, electromagnetism, radioactive decay, wave mechanics, math manipulatives, etc.
• Easy Java Simulation (EJS): There is frequent mention of EJS, and that this system is being converted to EJSS (Javascript Simulations) to be more widely accessible. "Bringing the EJS Java based Magnetic Bar Field Simulation to Life in HTML5 using GPTo1" is an example.
• Tracker Software: Several entries reference the use of "Tracker" video analysis software, suggesting an integration of real-world video data into simulations and learning activities. There are also several mentions of workshops to teach educators how to use this software and create simulations.
• Recognition and Awards: The project has received awards and recognition, including the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize and several Ministry of Education awards. This suggests the impact and significance of OER/OSP@SG in educational technology.

5. Key Quotes from the Source

• Regarding the Creative Commons License: "Contents are licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License ."
• On the Symmetry Letter Applet and embedding: "Embed this model in a webpage: "
• On the commercial use of EasyJavaScriptSimulations: "Separately, for commercial use of EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library, please read https://www.um.es/fem/EjsWiki/Main/EJSLicense and contact fem@um.es directly."

6. Conclusion

The Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore project is a robust initiative focused on developing and sharing interactive simulations and other educational resources, primarily for STEM fields. The "Symmetry Letter Applet" serves as a specific example of their efforts to create engaging, web-based learning tools. The project emphasizes open access, technology integration, teacher support, and collaborative development. The wide variety of resources and topics, along with recognition, points to the significance of this project in enhancing science and mathematics education.

Symmetry Letter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. What is the primary focus of the Symmetry Letter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model?
2. What type of symmetry does the simulation specifically explore?
3. In what format is the simulation model available?
4. Who are the individuals credited with the development of the simulation?
5. Where can the app version of this simulation be found?
6. Besides the simulation, what other types of resources are listed within this website?
7. What is the license for the content of this site?
8. What is a potential use case of the various simulations on the site?
9. Name two specific examples of simulation models, aside from the Symmetry Letter model, listed on the website.
10. What is one way this site promotes educational learning?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The primary focus of the Symmetry Letter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model is to allow users to interact with and visualize line symmetry using letters. Users can explore how letters can be reflected across a line to demonstrate symmetry.
2. The simulation specifically explores line symmetry, which involves reflecting a shape across a line to create a mirror image. This concept helps users understand how a shape can have symmetrical properties.
3. The simulation is available as a JavaScript HTML5 applet, which means it can be embedded in a webpage and accessed through a web browser. This allows for easy use without the need for additional software.
4. The individuals credited with the development of the simulation are Francisco Esquembre and Felix J. Garcia Clemente. Their contributions are noted in the credits section of the provided text.
5. The app version of this simulation is available on the Google Play Store. The provided text includes a direct link to the app.
6. Besides the simulation, the website lists other resources including other simulations covering math and physics, videos, and research. Some of these resources are in multiple formats, such as .ggb and app files.
7. The content of the site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, which promotes the sharing and adaptation of materials with proper attribution.
8. A potential use case of the various simulations on the site is to serve as interactive educational resources for students and teachers. The simulations can assist with visualizing difficult concepts and promoting deeper learning.
9. Two specific examples of simulation models on the site, aside from the Symmetry Letter model, are the "Tank Concentration JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" and the "Projectile Motion with System of Masses and Spring JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model." There are many other simulations.
10. The site promotes educational learning by offering various interactive simulations and learning materials that allow users to explore and visualize complex mathematical and scientific concepts in an engaging way, and by offering an open-source platform.

Essay Questions

Instructions: Answer the following questions in essay format.

1. Analyze the role of interactive simulations in modern educational settings, using the Symmetry Letter Applet as an example, and describe how they can enhance the learning experience compared to traditional methods.
2. Discuss the importance of open educational resources (OER) like the ones found on the Open Source Physics @ Singapore website. How does the Creative Commons license contribute to the accessibility and collaborative use of these materials?
3. Evaluate the potential impact of incorporating diverse educational simulations, such as the ones listed on this website, into a curriculum. How could these resources be used to cater to different learning styles and promote a more comprehensive understanding of concepts?
4. Consider the different types of simulations on the site (physics, math, etc.) and how they can be used to teach students about real-world systems and how these systems relate to various academic disciplines.
5. Given the focus on open source and readily available simulations, how could educators use such resources to foster both creativity and critical thinking in STEM education and beyond?

Glossary of Key Terms

Line Symmetry: A type of symmetry where a shape can be divided by a line into two identical parts that are mirror images of each other.

JavaScript: A programming language primarily used to create interactive effects within web browsers.

HTML5: The latest version of Hypertext Markup Language, a standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser.

Applet: A small application that can be embedded within another application, often used in web pages.

Simulation Model: A computer-based model that replicates the behavior of a real-world system or process, allowing for experimentation and understanding.

Open Educational Resources (OER): Teaching, learning, and research materials that are free of cost and access barriers, and which also carry legal permissions for open use.

Creative Commons License: A public copyright license that enables the free distribution of an otherwise copyrighted work. It is used when an author wants to give people the right to share, use, and build upon the work they have created.

WebGL: A JavaScript API that renders interactive 2D and 3D graphics within any compatible web browser without the use of plug-ins.

STEM Education: A curriculum focused on the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Interactive Learning: A learning method that involves hands-on activities, simulations, or games designed to actively engage the learner and foster a deeper understanding.

Apps 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ionicframework.symmetryletter

Sample Learning Goals

[text]

For Teachers

[text]

Research

[text]

Video

[text]

 Version:

1. http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2017/10/symmetry-letter-javascript-html5-applet.html

Other Resources

1. http://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/math/flash/Primary%20Level/Line%20of%20symmetry%20of%20letters/
2. book-experimental.ggb Download by Vincent Lew reference for rotating page technique
3. https://www.geogebra.org/m/eRBmRYsB#material/nUD53fRB by GeoGebra Materials Team

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Source Physics Simulations

1. What is the "Symmetry Letter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" and what does it demonstrate? The "Symmetry Letter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" is an interactive tool designed to explore the concept of line symmetry. It allows users to manipulate and visualize how letters (or other shapes) exhibit symmetry across a central line. It's an educational resource, part of a larger collection focused on physics and mathematics.
2. Who created the "Symmetry Letter" applet and where can I find it? The applet was developed by Francisco Esquembre and Felix J. Garcia Clemente. You can find the embeddable applet here: https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/math/ejss_model_symmetryletter/symmetryletter_Simulation.xhtml. Additionally, it's available as an app on the Google Play Store.
3. What is "Easy JavaScript Simulations" (EJS) and how is it related to these models? EJS is a tool used to create the interactive simulations found on this site, including the Symmetry Letter model. It enables the creation of user-friendly models for educational purposes. Many applets mentioned in the text are created using the EJS platform, which allows them to be run in HTML5.
4. What other types of interactive simulations are available on this platform? The website offers a wide array of interactive simulations, spanning many topics beyond symmetry, including physics (kinematics, electromagnetism, optics, waves), mathematics (fractions, geometry, algebra), and even chemistry (titration, atomic models) and other simulations. It also hosts simulations created for a variety of age groups. Some examples are: projectile motion, electric fields, magnetic fields, simple circuits, sound waves, and various math concepts.
5. Are these simulations intended only for classroom use? While many of these simulations are designed for educational settings, specifically to enhance learning in physics, math, and other STEM fields, they are freely available online, making them accessible to anyone interested in exploring these concepts. The platform emphasizes open educational resources.
6. Are there resources available for teachers using these simulation models? Yes, while there's no explicit "teachers' guide" in the provided text, the site includes sections and resources specifically designed for educators. For instance, the "Symmetry Letter" model's webpage has sections titled "Sample Learning Goals" and "For Teachers", suggesting that accompanying material is available elsewhere. Additionally, many of the linked workshops and conferences are tailored to teachers, and show them how to use these simulations.
7. Is this platform open-source? Yes, the platform explicitly states it uses Open Educational Resources and Open Source Physics. The materials are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License. This allows for free use and modification with proper attribution. However, there's a separate license and contact information provided for commercial use of the EJS library.
8. Beyond simulations, are there other types of resources hosted on this site? The site also features workshops, conferences, and research projects related to educational technology. There is also information on how to create interactive learning experiences, build apps, and utilize other educational tools, making it a rich hub for educators and learners interested in integrating technology into teaching and learning. The site also hosts other types of interactive tools beyond applets, such as virtual labs.