Briefing Document: NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 Modelling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook

1. Project Overview

This document details the "NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 Modelling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook" project, an initiative focused on developing interactive educational resources for physics, particularly for Junior College level in Singapore. The project emphasizes active learning through modeling and inquiry-based experiments.

2. Core Problems Addressed

The project directly addresses two key shortcomings in traditional physics education:

• Lack of Interactivity: Current reading materials are described as "non-interactive (no input for mathematical algorithm outputs)." This suggests a passive learning experience where students primarily receive information rather than actively engage with it.
• Disconnected Math and Physics: A central issue is identified as a "learning problem stems from lack of computer modeling, integrating mathematics with physics." This highlights the need for a more integrated approach where students can use mathematical models to understand and explore physics concepts.

3. Project Goals and Methodology

The project's primary goal is to address these issues by creating:

• Interactive Textbook Chapters: The project seeks to develop interactive textbook content featuring "re-created +30 related oscillator and gravitation models."
• Inquiry-Based Learning: These models will enable students "to conduct inquiry-experiments" allowing them to explore the physics concepts in a hands-on way.
• Mathematical Modeling Practice: The project aims to foster "mathematical-modeling learning" by allowing students to practice building and manipulating models using "simulated data".

The approach is grounded in the use of computer modeling, particularly with software tools like EasyJavaScriptSimulation (EjsS). This focus on modeling is stated to be a "new practice derived from by the PI while collaborating with the Open Source Physics Project."

4. Key Technologies and Tools

• EasyJavaScriptSimulation (EjsS): This tool is central to the project, used to create the interactive simulations and models. The document mentions "Creating Electronic Books for Computers and Tablets Using Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations, EjsS Modeling Tool," suggesting the versatility of EjsS. The project also has an "OSP@SG Open Source Physics EasyJavaScript Simulation Digital Library."
• Open Source Physics Project: The project is aligned with and influenced by the Open Source Physics Project, highlighting a commitment to open educational resources and collaboration.
• Tracker Video Analysis and Modelling Installer: This tool facilitates the analysis of real-world videos and their comparison with models, connecting experimental observations to theoretical frameworks.
• JavaScript: As indicated under the "Software Requirements" the simulations heavily rely on JavaScript for their functionality.
• HTML5: This is used for Applet simulations making the simulations accessible via web browsers on multiple devices.

5. Project Deliverables

The project has generated several artifacts, including:

• Digital Library: An "OSP@SG Open Source Physics EasyJavaScript Simulation Digital Library (2015)" has been created as a main resource.
• Webpages: Specific webpages dedicated to "Gravity webpages & SHM webpages" have been developed.
• Interactive Textbook Prototypes: These include "edulab021 Modeling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook Prototypes" for both Android and iOS platforms, alongside a computer digital library.

6. Scope of Content

The project focuses on physics topics such as:

• Gravity: As explicitly named with specific webpages and simulations developed.
• Oscillations: Another explicit area of focus, also with webpages and related models.

The extensive list of "Project Artifacts" below the main project information also reveals a vast range of physics topics, including:

• Mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, projectile motion, collisions, energy, oscillations, damping)
• Waves (longitudinal, transverse, interference, diffraction)
• Electromagnetism
• Thermodynamics
• Modern physics

This shows that while gravity and oscillations are the main focus, the simulations cover a broad range of physics concepts, likely meant to support a comprehensive physics curriculum.

7. Collaboration and Contributors

The project involved several institutions and individuals:

• Educational Technology Division, Yishun Junior College, Curriculum Planning & Development Division, River Valley High School, Innova Junior College and Victoria Junior College: These are the primary institutions involved in the development and implementation of the project.
• Mr. Wee Loo Kang Lawrence: He is identified as the principal investigator and serves as the contact person for the project and listed as the "eduLab learning designer".
• Numerous other educators are listed as principal investigators, showing a broad collaborative effort.
• Collaborators from outside Singapore, such as Prof Douglas Brown, Prof Francisco Esquembre, Wolfgang Christian, and Prof Fu-Kwun Hwang are listed, further demonstrating the open source nature of the project.

8. Emphasis on Open Educational Resources (OER)

The project is explicitly labeled as "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" and uses a "Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License." This underscores the commitment to sharing and accessibility. There is also a link provided to the commercial license for EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library.

9. Awards and Recognition:

The work linked to this project (but not explicitly this project) has received recognition for innovation and excellence with awards including:

• 🏆Ministry of Education Service Excellence Award 2012
• 🏆Ministry of Education Outstanding Innovator Award 2013
• 🥇Public Service 21 ExCEL Awards Best Ideator 2012
• Public Service 21 Distinguished Star Service Award 2014
• 🏆2015-6 UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education

10. Conclusion

The "NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 Modelling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook" project is a significant initiative to enhance physics education through the integration of interactive computer modeling, inquiry-based learning, and open educational resources. It tackles the problem of passive learning by providing students with the tools to experiment with and understand mathematical models of physical phenomena. The use of EasyJavaScriptSimulation and the open-source framework demonstrate a commitment to innovative and collaborative approaches to education.

 

Interactive Physics Textbook Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences.

1. What is the primary goal of the NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 project?
2. What are two shortcomings of traditional reading notes that the project seeks to address?
3. What is "EasyJavaScriptSimulation," and how is it used in this project?
4. Who is Mr. Wee Loo Kang Lawrence, and what is his role in the project?
5. Name two topics (besides gravity and oscillations) that are explored using interactive models in this project.
6. What is meant by the term "inquiry-experiments" in the context of this project?
7. How does the project integrate mathematics with physics learning?
8. What are the different platforms (devices) on which the project's interactive textbook prototypes can be accessed?
9. What is one award or recognition received by the team involved in this project and listed in the text?
10. What type of license governs the content created by the project?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The primary goal of the NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 project is to create an interactive textbook with re-created oscillator and gravitation models to enable students to conduct inquiry-based experiments and mathematical modeling. The project aims to improve physics learning by making it more hands-on and mathematically integrated.
2. The project identifies two shortcomings of traditional reading notes: they are non-interactive, offering no input for mathematical algorithm outputs, and they lack computer modeling, which hinders the integration of mathematics with physics concepts.
3. EasyJavaScriptSimulation is a software tool used to create interactive simulations for the project. It allows students to manipulate variables and observe the results in real-time, which aids in understanding complex physics principles.
4. Mr. Wee Loo Kang Lawrence is a Senior Specialist at the Educational Technology Division and one of the principal investigators of the project. His role is likely related to designing the interactive learning experience and integrating the technology with pedagogy.
5. Two topics, in addition to gravity and oscillations, explored with interactive models in this project are simple harmonic motion, and Kepler's orbits. The project also covers areas including light, sound, electromagnetism, and mechanics.
6. "Inquiry-experiments" refers to a learning approach where students actively explore physics concepts by manipulating simulations and observing how changes affect outcomes. It’s designed to encourage students to ask questions and build their understanding through investigation rather than passively receiving information.
7. The project integrates mathematics with physics by creating models that visualize mathematical equations in action. This process allows learners to see the relationship between abstract mathematical concepts and concrete physical phenomena.
8. The project's interactive textbook prototypes can be accessed on Android devices, iOS devices, and computers. This wide range of platform options allows diverse students access.
9. One award listed in the text that was received by the team involved in this project was the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education (2015-6). The text also lists several Ministry of Education awards as well.
10. The content created by the project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, which means it can be shared, adapted, and used freely with proper attribution.

Essay Questions

Instructions: Write a well-organized essay that addresses each of the following questions.

1. Discuss the ways in which the NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 project addresses the limitations of traditional physics education, particularly in the context of integrating mathematics and modeling.
2. Analyze how the use of EasyJavaScriptSimulation enhances the learning experience for students in the context of this project, using specific examples if possible.
3. Evaluate the importance of inquiry-based learning in the project and how interactive models and simulations help facilitate this approach to education.
4. Explore the implications of making the project resources available as Open Educational Resources, considering aspects like accessibility, adaptability, and collaborative potential.
5. Based on the information available in this document, what are the future opportunities for expansion and further research with this project? Consider different approaches that might be explored.

Glossary of Key Terms

Inquiry-Experiments: A learning approach where students explore concepts by manipulating simulations, making observations, and drawing conclusions through investigation.

Mathematical Modeling: The process of creating a mathematical representation of a physical phenomenon, which involves using mathematical equations and concepts to describe and predict physical behaviors.

EasyJavaScriptSimulation (EjsS): A software tool used to create interactive simulations, enabling users to manipulate variables and observe their effects in real-time.

Open Educational Resources (OER): Educational materials that are freely available for use, adaptation, and distribution without restrictions (usually with attribution), often under creative commons licenses.

Oscillations: Repetitive or periodic motions back and forth around a central equilibrium point (e.g. the movement of a pendulum or spring).

Gravity: The natural phenomenon of attraction between physical objects with mass, most commonly known as the force that attracts objects towards the center of the Earth.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium point, resulting in oscillation (e.g., an ideal spring).

Digital Library: A collection of resources, in this case interactive physics simulations and textbook chapters, available online and organized for educational purposes.

Interactive Textbook: An educational resource that allows students to actively engage with content through simulations, interactive elements, and mathematical models, rather than passively reading text.

Creative Commons License: A public copyright license that enables the free distribution of an otherwise copyrighted work by an author. This is used to determine how other people can use your work.

 

 

About

NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 Modelling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook By Educational Technology Division, Yishun Junior College, Curriculum Planning & Development Division, River Valley High School, Innova Junior College and Victoria Junior College , supported by eduLab learning designer

Principal Investigators

1. Mr. Wee Loo Kang Lawrence, Educational Technology Division, Senior Specialist. 
2. Mr. Goh Giam Hwee, Yishun Junior College 
3. Ms. Esther Tay Wei Jing, Yishun Junior College
4. Ms. Wong Yih Chong, Yishun Junior College 
5. Ms. Tan Hao Kai, Yishun Junior College 
6. Mr. Leong Tze Kwang, Curriculum Planning and Development Division
7. Mr. Ong Chee Wah, Innova Junior College
8. Ms. Lim Ai Phing, River Valley High
9. Mr. Xu Wei Ming, River Valley High
10. Mr. Kwek Eng Yeow , Victoria Junior College

Project Information

Our observations suggest that current reading notes are non-interactive (no input for mathematical algorithm outputs), and learning problem stems from lack of computer modeling, integrating mathematics with physics. 

This project seeks to create an interactive textbook-chapters with (re-created +30 related oscillator and gravitation models) to conduct inquiry-experiments and (newer) mathematical modeling practice on simulated data, enabling mathematical-modeling learning, a new practice derived from by the PI while collaborating with the Open Source Physics Project.

For more information regarding the project, please contact the eduLab learning designer, Mr. Wee Loo Kang Lawrence at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project Artifacts

1. OSP@SG  Open Source Physics EasyJavaScript Simulation Digital Library (2015)
2. Webpages to serve Gravity webpages & SHM webpages
3. edulab021  Modeling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook Prototypes Android Link1 and Link2, iOS Link1 and Link2, Computer Digital Library Link1 and Link2

Journal Papers

1. to be updated

MOE Publication

1. to be updated

Conference Paper and Presentations

1. Wee Loo Kang, Creating Electronic Books for Computers and Tablets Using Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations, EjsS Modeling Tool, 20th  Multimedia Physics Teaching and Learning Conference, 9-11 September 2015, Munich, Germany.

2. Wee Loo Kang, Singapore Open Source Physics (OSP) Digital Library, 5th Singapore International Science Challenge SISC , National Junior College.

Awards

1. to be updated

Software Requirements

JavaScript

Credits

http://edulab.moe.edu.sg/edulab-programmes/existing-projects/nrf2015-edu001-el021

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the "Modelling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook" project?

This project aims to create interactive textbook chapters, specifically focused on oscillator and gravitation models. These chapters are designed to enable students to conduct inquiry-based experiments and practice mathematical modeling using simulated data. This addresses a perceived gap in current learning materials, which are seen as lacking in interactivity and the integration of computer modeling, mathematics, and physics. The goal is to enable a new way of learning through active engagement with simulations.

2. What is EasyJavaScriptSimulation (EjsS) and how does it contribute to this project?

EasyJavaScriptSimulation (EjsS) is a key tool used in the project. It's a software environment that allows users to create interactive simulations, and is instrumental in developing the 30+ interactive models found in the interactive textbook. EjsS allows the team to create models, and these models are used in the textbook to provide learners with an interactive and dynamic learning experience through experimentation and mathematical modeling.

3. What kind of physics topics are covered in the project's interactive textbook?

The interactive textbook primarily focuses on models related to oscillations (such as simple harmonic motion) and gravitation. This allows students to explore these core physics concepts through hands-on, interactive simulations.

4. What are the key issues the project is trying to address in physics education?

The project identifies that current reading notes often lack interactivity, with no way to see the mathematical algorithm outputs. It also highlights a lack of computer modeling and integration of mathematics with physics learning. The project aims to address these issues by providing interactive models, allowing students to manipulate parameters, observe the effects, and engage in mathematical modeling of simulated data, thus better connecting theoretical concepts to practical observations.

5. What types of "project artifacts" has the project created?

The project has produced several types of artifacts, including: an Open Source Physics EasyJavaScript Simulation Digital Library, webpages dedicated to gravity and simple harmonic motion, and interactive textbook prototypes for Android, iOS, and computers. These artifacts are designed to provide different avenues for engaging with the interactive learning materials.

6. How does the project integrate inquiry-based learning into its textbook design?

The project utilizes interactive simulations as a core component, letting students investigate physics phenomena by modifying parameters and observing results. This approach empowers students to explore concepts like gravity and oscillations through active experimentation and mathematical modeling of the simulated data, promoting inquiry-based learning. The textbook is designed to actively guide students through these interactive investigations.

7. What other tools and resources are associated with this project beyond the interactive textbook itself?

The project also links to a variety of other tools and resources, such as Tracker (a video analysis and modeling tool), a variety of other physics and math applets for phenomena such as sound waves, electric fields, lenses, radioactivity and more, and the Desmos modeling tool. The project website provides access to a wealth of open source educational resources, simulations, and other learning aids. The project also includes a digital library of simulations.

8. Who are the key personnel involved in this project, and what are their affiliations?

The project has a large team of principal investigators from various educational institutions in Singapore, including the Educational Technology Division, Yishun Junior College, Curriculum Planning & Development Division, River Valley High School, Innova Junior College, and Victoria Junior College. These individuals represent diverse areas of expertise and demonstrate collaboration between different schools and the Ministry of Education.