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- BallTossUp.mov
- Kinematics.docx
- 0031-9120_50_4_436tossuptrackerworksheet.docx
- 0031-9120_50_4_436tossuptrackerbosstossup.trz
- 0031-9120_50_4_436tossuptracker.pdf
- 0031-9120_50_4_436tossuptracker.docx
- 0031-9120_50_4_436tossupejssworksheet.docx
- 0031-9120_50_4_436ioptossuptracker.pdf

Credits

Author: tracker and video doug brown, model lookang
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Briefing Document: Tracker Ball Toss Up Model

Source: Excerpts from "Tracker Ball Toss Up model by Douglas Brown - Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore"

Main Theme: Utilizing Tracker software as a pedagogical tool for teaching and understanding free fall motion in physics.

Key Ideas and Facts:

• Real-World Application: The model utilizes Tracker software to analyze real-life video footage of a ball being tossed upwards. This allows students to bridge the gap between abstract physics concepts and real-world observations.
• Learning Gains: A study conducted with 123 secondary school students in Singapore demonstrated significant learning gains when Tracker was incorporated into the teaching of free fall motion.
• Cohen's d effect size analysis: Large effect (d = 0.79 ± 0.23)
• Hake's normalized gain regression analysis: Medium gain (
• Effective Pedagogical Approach: The researchers suggest that coupling traditional video analysis with video modeling through Tracker offers an innovative and effective approach to teaching free fall motion. This allows learners to visualize and interact with the physics concepts in a tangible way.
• Resources:The source provides downloadable resources, including student worksheets and the Tracker file ("bosstossup.trz") for the ball toss up model.
• An alternate model with air resistance ("bosstossupmodelwithAirResistancekimkia.trz") is also available.
• Research Support: The effectiveness of this approach is supported by the research paper "Using Tracker to understand 'toss up' and free fall motion: a case study" by Loo Kang Wee et al. (2015), which found significant learning improvements in students who used Tracker compared to traditional methods.

Quote: "Our initial research findings suggest that allowing learners to relate abstract physics concepts to real life through coupling traditional video analysis with video modelling might be an innovative and effective method for teaching and learning about free fall motion." - Loo Kang Wee et al. (2015)

Overall: This source highlights the value of using technology like Tracker to enhance physics education, particularly in the area of free fall motion. It provides compelling evidence and resources to support educators in implementing this innovative pedagogical approach.

Tracker Ball Toss Up Model Study Guide

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Tracker software in the context of the "Tracker Ball Toss Up" model?
2. Describe the research methodology used in the study "Using Tracker to understand 'toss up' and free fall motion: a case study". What were the key findings?
3. How does the "bosstossup.trz" file contribute to the learning experience?
4. What is the significance of the "bosstossupmodelwithAirResistancekimkia.trz" file?
5. What is meant by "video analysis" and "video modelling" in the context of the study?
6. Explain the concept of "free fall motion". What forces are involved?
7. What is Cohen's d effect size analysis and how was it used in the research?
8. What is Hake's normalized gain regression analysis and what did it reveal in the study?
9. What is the educational level of the students who participated in the research study?
10. What is the overall conclusion drawn from the research about the effectiveness of Tracker in understanding "toss up" and free fall motion?

Short Answer Key

1. Tracker software is used to analyze videos of real-world phenomena, allowing users to track the motion of objects. In the "Tracker Ball Toss Up" model, it's used to analyze videos of a ball being tossed upwards, enabling students to study the ball's trajectory and relate it to physics concepts like free fall and projectile motion.
2. The study employed a pre- and post-test design with a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group utilized Tracker software to analyze and model "toss up" motion. The key findings indicated significant learning gains in the experimental group, demonstrating the effectiveness of Tracker as a learning tool for understanding free fall motion.
3. The "bosstossup.trz" file likely contains a pre-recorded video of a ball toss that can be analyzed within the Tracker software. This provides a standardized data set for students to work with, ensuring consistent observations and analysis.
4. This file likely presents an alternative model that incorporates air resistance. Comparing this model with the basic "bosstossup.trz" model allows students to explore the impact of air resistance on projectile motion and understand its significance in real-world scenarios.
5. "Video analysis" involves using Tracker to track the movement of objects in a video, extracting data about position, velocity, and acceleration. "Video modeling" refers to using the software to create a simulated model that replicates the observed motion, allowing for manipulation of variables and further exploration of the physics involved.
6. Free fall motion refers to the movement of an object under the sole influence of gravity. The primary force involved is the gravitational force pulling the object downwards. Air resistance may also play a role, depending on the object's shape and speed.
7. Cohen's d is a statistical measure of effect size that indicates the standardized difference between two means. In the research, it was used to quantify the difference in learning gains between the control and experimental groups, revealing a large effect size in favor of the Tracker-based learning approach.
8. Hake's normalized gain is a measure of learning gain that takes into account the student's initial understanding. The analysis in the study showed a medium gain for the experimental group, exceeding the baseline gain typically observed with non-interactive teaching methods.
9. The research study involved 123 students from "express pure physics classes" at the secondary three level (equivalent to 15-year-olds) in Singapore.
10. The research concludes that using Tracker to connect abstract physics concepts to real-life scenarios through video analysis and modeling can be an innovative and effective approach to teaching and learning about free fall motion.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the advantages and limitations of using video analysis and modeling tools like Tracker in physics education.
2. Discuss how the incorporation of air resistance in the "bosstossupmodelwithAirResistancekimkia.trz" file enhances the understanding of free fall motion.
3. Explain the significance of effect size measures like Cohen's d and Hake's normalized gain in evaluating educational interventions.
4. To what extent do you believe the findings of the research study are generalizable to other physics concepts and educational settings?
5. Design a follow-up study to further investigate the effectiveness of Tracker in teaching physics, considering different variables or research questions.

Glossary of Key Terms

Tracker: Open-source video analysis and modeling software used for studying the motion of objects in videos.

Free fall motion: The movement of an object solely under the influence of gravity.

Video analysis: The process of using Tracker to extract data about an object's motion from a video.

Video modeling: Creating a simulated model within Tracker that replicates the observed motion.

Cohen's d effect size: A standardized measure of the magnitude of the difference between two groups.

Hake's normalized gain: A measure of learning gain that considers the student's initial level of understanding.

Air resistance: The force that opposes the motion of an object through the air.

Projectile motion: The motion of an object launched into the air and subject to both gravity and air resistance.

Trajectory: The path an object follows through space.

TRZ file: A file format specific to the Tracker software for storing video analysis data and models.

Worksheets

1. 
   Free fall - investigate using tracker-student 2.docx. (5.4 MB, Word doc) hosted by IOP

   
   bosstossup.trz. (767 kb, TRZ file) hosted by IOP

    

   This lesson package is crafted in collaboration with Educational Technology Division-Curriculum & Planning Division- Evergreen Secondary-National JC. 

Other Resources

1. bosstossupmodelwithAirResistancekimkia.trz by alternate model by Tan Kim Kia
2. http://subjects.opal.moe.edu.sg/sciences/secondary/physics/teaching-n-learning-resources where an initial worksheet was created by MOE 

Research

1. PAPER • OPEN ACCESS Using Tracker to understand 'toss up' and free fall motion: a case study Loo Kang Wee¹, Kim Kia Tan², Tze Kwang Leong³ and Ching Tan¹ Published 19 June 2015 • © 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd  Physics Education, Volume 50, Number 4 

   Abstract

   This paper reports the use of Tracker as a computer-based learning tool to support effective learning and teaching of 'toss up' and free fall motion for beginning secondary three (15 year-old) students. The case study involved (N = 123) students from express pure physics classes at a mainstream school in Singapore. We used eight multiple-choice questions pre- and post-test to gauge the impact on learning. The experimental group showed learning gains of d = 0.79  ±  0.23 (large effect) for Cohen's d effect size analysis, and gains with a gradient of <g> total = 0.42  ±  0.08 (medium gain) above the traditional baseline value of <g> non interactive = 0.23 for Hake's normalized gain regression analysis. This applied to all of the teachers and students who participated in this study. Our initial research findings suggest that allowing learners to relate abstract physics concepts to real life through coupling traditional video analysis with video modelling might be an innovative and effective method for teaching and learning about free fall motion.

Tracker Ball Toss Up Model FAQ

What is the Tracker Ball Toss Up model?

The Tracker Ball Toss Up model is an interactive physics simulation designed for Junior College students. It utilizes the Tracker software to analyze videos of ball toss-up experiments and allows students to investigate concepts like free fall and projectile motion.

What are the key components of the Tracker Ball Toss Up model?

The model package consists of:

• bosstossup.trz: A Tracker file that contains the model itself.
• Free fall - investigate using tracker-student 2.docx: A student worksheet designed to guide learners through the investigation.
• bosstossupmodelwithAirResistancekimkia.trz: An alternate model that incorporates air resistance.
• http://subjects.opal.moe.edu.sg/sciences/secondary/physics/teaching-n-learning-resources: A link to an initial worksheet created by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore.

How can the Tracker Ball Toss Up model be used in teaching?

The model allows teachers to introduce the concept of free fall and projectile motion in an engaging way. Students can use Tracker to analyze real-life video footage of a ball toss, track its trajectory, and derive values for parameters like velocity and acceleration. The model facilitates hands-on learning, data analysis, and drawing connections between physics concepts and real-world observations.

What is the research evidence supporting the effectiveness of this model?

A research study published in Physics Education demonstrated significant learning gains among students who used the Tracker Ball Toss Up model. The study involved 123 students and showed a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.79) and medium gain (Hake's normalized gain = 0.42) compared to traditional teaching methods. The study suggests that using Tracker to connect abstract physics concepts to real-world videos enhances understanding and retention of knowledge.

What is the significance of "toss up" and free fall motion in physics?

"Toss up" motion refers to the vertical trajectory of an object projected upwards against gravity. Understanding "toss up" motion is crucial for grasping the concept of free fall, where an object is solely under the influence of gravity. Both "toss up" and free fall motion demonstrate the fundamental laws of motion and gravitational forces.

How does Tracker facilitate the understanding of free fall motion?

Tracker allows students to:

• Track the ball's position: Plot the ball's vertical position against time to visualize its motion.
• Calculate velocity and acceleration: Determine the ball's changing velocity and the constant acceleration due to gravity.
• Compare experimental data with theoretical predictions: Analyze the recorded data and compare it to the theoretical equations governing free fall.

What are some other resources available for learning about free fall motion?

Besides the materials within the Tracker Ball Toss Up model, learners can access resources on the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website, including various simulations and applets related to physics concepts.

Where can I find additional support and information about the Tracker Ball Toss Up Model?

For additional support and information, you can contact the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore team through their website. The website also hosts a forum where educators can connect and exchange ideas.