Briefing Document: Desmos Modeling Tool and Open Educational Resources in Physics and Mathematics
Date: October 25, 2024 Prepared For: [Intended Audience - e.g., Educators, Curriculum Developers, Technology Integration Specialists] Prepared By: [Your Name/AI Assistant] Subject: Analysis of Open Educational Resources related to Desmos Modeling Tool and various physics and math simulations.
1. Overview This document analyzes a collection of open educational resources, primarily JavaScript HTML5 applet simulations, focusing on mathematics and physics, with a strong emphasis on the Desmos modeling tool. The resources are hosted by "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore". The document highlights the breadth of available resources, their educational applications, and the technologies used to deliver them.
2. Key Themes & Concepts
- Open Educational Resources (OER): The site provides a vast collection of freely accessible educational simulations and models, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License. The mission is clearly to provide resources that are free for educators to use and modify.
- Interactive Learning: The core of the resources revolves around interactive simulations. The frequent use of "JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" highlights a focus on dynamic learning.
- Desmos as a Central Tool: The Desmos modeling tool is presented as a central resource, indicated by the "Desmos Modeling Tool" header and the direct link to desmos.com. The site recognizes the value of Desmos for data analysis, specifically for "physics education purposes."
- Broad Scope of Topics: The resources span a wide array of topics in mathematics and physics, ranging from basic primary school math concepts ("Numbers up to 100") to advanced physics topics such as "Kepler's Solar System", "Simple Harmonic Motion", "Gravitational Fields", and "Wave Particle Duality".
- Physics-Heavy Content: There is a strong emphasis on physics simulations covering topics like mechanics, motion, energy, waves, optics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and modern physics. Many simulations feature detailed kinematic modeling using "Tracker" software.
- Variety of Delivery Methods: Beyond Desmos, the resources utilize HTML5 applets, GeoGebra models, PhET simulations and Tracker. The document also mentions Nearpod for student responses and YouTube.
- Emphasis on Modeling: Many resources emphasize using models to understand real-world phenomena, from "Tracker Modelling Skydiving with Parachute Opening" to "Bungee Energy Model" and "Projectile Motion."
- Inquiry Based Learning: Many resources lend themselves to investigations. Many tracker models based on video analysis, coupled with graphs and simulations allow inquiry based learning.
- Use of Tracker Video Analysis: Many models use "Tracker" for video analysis, indicating a focus on connecting simulations to real-world observations.
3. Notable Resources and Tools The provided list is extensive, so I will highlight some types of the most relevant examples:
- Desmos Modeling Tool: A central tool for physics data analysis. This is a key takeaway, highlighting its importance. "The data analysis looks great for physics education purposes."
- Tracker-Based Video Analysis: Numerous Tracker models demonstrate how video analysis can be used in education for modeling various physics scenarios, such as "Tracker slinky moving down the steps model", "Tracker water rocket kinematics model", and "Tracker Projectile Modeling Motion."
- JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulations: Hundreds of simulations utilizing Javascript/HTML5, covering math and physics. Examples include "Constant Velocity Water Wave 2 Source in Phase Model" and "Metallic Conductor and Drift Velocity JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model"
- PhET Simulations: Some resources mention integration with PhET simulations.
- EJS Simulations: Some resources mention "Easy Javascript Simulations," indicating a capability for teachers to create their own interactive models. The website also provides a "Step-by-Step Guide" on "Creating HTML5 Content for Interactive Response for SLS Integrating xAPI with EJS Simulations"
4. Educational Applications
- Visualizing Concepts: The simulations are ideal for visualizing abstract mathematical and scientific concepts, allowing students to "see" the phenomena in action.
- Interactive Exploration: The interactive nature of the tools fosters active learning, allowing students to manipulate variables and observe their effects.
- Data Analysis: Tools like Desmos and Tracker enable data collection, analysis, and the development of mathematical models, a key skill in STEM education.
- Hands-on Learning: The resources provide hands-on learning through simulations without requiring access to physical lab equipment.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Many simulations and tracker video analyses allow students to explore hypotheses and conduct investigations based on observations.
- Differentiation: The wide variety of resources allow teachers to cater to students of differing learning styles and abilities.
5. Technology & Software Requirements
- HTML5: The primary technology, indicating compatibility across modern browsers and devices.
- JavaScript: Necessary for the interactive simulations.
- Desmos: Utilized for graphing and modeling.
- Tracker: Software for video analysis of motion
6. Licensing & Usage
- Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License: This license allows free use, modification, and sharing of the materials, with proper attribution.
- Commercial Use Restriction: The EasyJavaScriptSimulations library requires a separate license and contact with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for commercial use.
7. Additional Observations:
- Singaporean Context: The resources are based in Singapore, but the content can be used by a global audience.
- Community Focus: The large number of contributors and named individuals shows a community effort to build and share these resources.
- Active Usage: The user statistics at the bottom "We have 356 guests and no members online. Users 17 Articles 1170 Articles View Hits 9646610" indicate a high level of usage and interest in the resources.
8. Conclusion The open educational resources highlighted in this document provide a significant collection of free interactive simulations for mathematics and physics education. The emphasis on Desmos, Tracker, and HTML5 technology makes these resources valuable for modern learning environments. Their wide scope, interactive nature, and open licensing make them a powerful tool for educators looking to enhance student engagement and understanding. The sheer number of resources provided demonstrates a significant effort in promoting STEM education.
Desmos Modeling Tool Study Guide
Quiz
Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- What is the primary purpose of the Desmos Modeling Tool as described in this resource?
- According to the text, for what educational levels is the Desmos Modeling Tool appropriate?
- What type of file format is used for the simulations and models in the Desmos tool?
- Besides Desmos, what other tools/resources for physics education are mentioned in the provided text? Name at least three.
- The text mentions several modeling resources that use "Tracker." What is "Tracker," and what kind of data does it seem to collect?
- How is the Desmos Modeling Tool described in relation to physics education?
- What is the license under which the content of the Open Educational Resources/Open Source Physics @ Singapore website is shared?
- The document mentions several physics topics. Name at least three physics topics covered by the various simulations and models listed.
- What is an example of a mathematical concept that can be taught using the resources linked to this tool?
- What is one technology, besides JavaScript, required to use the Desmos Modeling Tool?
Quiz Answer Key
- The Desmos Modeling Tool is used for creating interactive mathematical and scientific simulations and models. It appears to support physics education, especially for data analysis and visual representations of various concepts.
- The Desmos Modeling Tool is designed for primary, secondary, and junior college levels, indicating its versatility across different educational stages.
- The simulations and models in the Desmos tool are primarily using HTML5. This indicates they are designed for web browsers and do not require external software installations.
- Besides Desmos, other tools/resources mentioned include PhET simulations, GeoGebra, Nearpod student response system, and Tracker video analysis.
- "Tracker" appears to be a video analysis tool used to model and analyze real-world phenomena, collecting data such as position, velocity, and time and then creates graphs or simulations based on that data.
- The Desmos Modeling Tool is described as great for physics education, especially for data analysis purposes. The tool enables visualization and interaction of physics principles.
- The content on the Open Educational Resources/Open Source Physics @ Singapore website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License.
- Several physics topics covered include projectile motion, gravity, simple harmonic motion, wave phenomena, light and optics, and energy.
- One example of a mathematical concept that can be taught using these tools is fractions; however, the use of graphs and data analysis connects strongly to mathematical and statistical thinking.
- Besides JavaScript, HTML5 is a necessary technology for accessing and using the simulations made with the Desmos Modeling Tool.
Essay Questions
- Discuss the benefits of using interactive tools like Desmos and Tracker in STEM education, particularly in physics. How can these tools enhance student understanding compared to traditional methods?
- Analyze how the various simulations and models listed in the document cover different aspects of physics. How do they address the progression of learning from primary to junior college levels?
- Evaluate the role of open educational resources in promoting equitable access to quality education. How does the described platform contribute to this mission, and what are the advantages for both educators and students?
- Compare and contrast the different modeling tools, like Desmos, PhET, and Tracker, mentioned in the document. What are their unique strengths and applications within the context of science education?
- Based on the document, how do you think using these interactive simulations would affect a student's engagement with math and science? Consider aspects such as visualization, interactivity, and real-world applications.
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The data analysis looks great for physics education purposes.
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FAQ: Exploring Educational Physics and Math Simulations
- What is the Desmos Modeling Tool and how is it used in education?
- The Desmos Modeling Tool, as presented in this context, is an interactive online platform primarily designed for mathematics education, but also shown to have value for physics education. It provides a way for teachers and students from primary through junior college level to visualize, manipulate, and understand mathematical and physics concepts through dynamic graphs and simulations. Its use in data analysis makes it particularly relevant for physics education, allowing students to explore phenomena in a more visual and interactive manner.
- What types of simulations are available on the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore platform?
- This platform hosts a vast collection of simulations covering a wide range of topics in both physics and math. In physics, these include mechanics (e.g., projectile motion, collisions, simple harmonic motion), electromagnetism, optics, waves, thermodynamics, and even aspects of modern physics. In mathematics, there are simulations focusing on numbers, algebra, geometry, and various mathematical concepts. They are primarily implemented as JavaScript HTML5 applets and utilize platforms like Desmos, PhET and EJS. The platform showcases a large variety of models contributed by educators, reflecting a diversity in approaches to teaching.
- What software requirements are needed to run these simulations?
- The simulations primarily require a modern web browser that supports HTML5. This is because the simulations are generally created using JavaScript and HTML5 technologies, which are broadly supported across different operating systems and devices. This makes the resources widely accessible to students and educators without needing specific software installations.
- What is the significance of "Tracker" in the provided resources?
- "Tracker" refers to a video analysis and modeling tool which is used extensively for physics simulations. It allows users to analyze real-world videos by tracking the motion of objects and then creating corresponding mathematical models. Many of the listed resources are examples of physics concepts explored using Tracker, such as projectile motion, collisions, oscillations, and more complex phenomena. Tracker appears to be a prominent method for linking real world observations to physics concepts, particularly when developing computational models.
- Who are the key contributors to the development of these resources?
- The provided text acknowledges contributions from several educators and institutions, including Evergreen Sec Tan Kim Kia, Wolfgang Christian, Lee Tat Leong, QuantumBoffin, RGS (Raffles Girls School) teachers and students, NJC (National Junior College) teachers and students and others. The Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore platform aggregates these contributions, making it clear that this is a collaborative effort from the educational community. The resource also makes it clear that much of this work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0.
- Besides simulations, what other types of resources can be found on this platform?
- In addition to interactive simulations, the platform includes resources like ebooks on Simple Harmonic Motion and Gravity, interactive math tools, and materials utilizing various platforms including Nearpod and EJS (Easy Java Simulations). There are also projects, such as the Building the Singapore Young Physicists' Tournament Web App, which are related to STEM competitions and project-based learning. Additionally the platform contains links to YouTube channels and other types of digital media.
- How is the platform promoting open educational resources?
- The platform explicitly states that its contents are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, promoting the sharing and adaptation of materials, making it clear that resources are available for free, non-commercial use. This aligns with the principles of open educational resources (OER), emphasizing accessibility and the ability to adapt resources for diverse educational settings.
- What is the educational focus of these resources and what subjects are addressed?
The educational focus is primarily on enhancing the teaching and learning of both mathematics and physics, and seems to emphasize dynamic, visual, and interactive approaches to understanding the subjects. The resources are designed for a range of educational levels from primary school to junior college. Specifically, they encompass topics from basic math concepts (e.g. fractions, shapes) to complex physics topics, including motion, forces, energy, electromagnetism, optics and waves. The platform also focuses on modeling and using computational methods in problem solving.