This paper shows how two distinct but related models can be used to bring out the essential physics of heat flow in one dimension. The first is a simple step-wise procedure using "SMath Studio," while the second is an electric analogue using a basic RC ladder connected to an Arduino microcontroller. Both models can be demonstrated in…

Quantum computing was once regarded as a mere theoretical possibility, but recent advances in engineering and materials science have brought practical quantum computers closer to reality. Currently, representatives from industry, academia, and governments across the world are working to build the educational structures needed to produce the…

Measurements and calculations are presented showing how the trajectory of an object sliding across an inclined plane varies with the launch and incline angles. The trajectory depends on the magnitude and direction of the sliding friction force. The experiment is easy to set up, can be analysed using a video camera, and would be suitable for a…

In the epidemic period, online teaching has become the most important teaching form. On the basis of questions-centred massive open online courses (MOOCs) teaching, the online teaching mode of college physics was studied and discussed using the Tencent classroom, WeChat/QQ and Wisdom Tree Platform. MOOCs before class, Tencent classroom during…

Points near the top end of a falling rod hinged at its bottom end can fall faster than g. If a rod falls on a frictionless surface then the bottom end slides backwards and the centre of mass falls vertically with acceleration less than g. The effect was simulated by mounting a rod on wheels and filming the result with a video camera. The…

Experimental teaching is essential for a good understanding of science, especially on Physics. Practical activities play an important role for engaging students with science, mainly when they interact directly with equipment, collect experimental data with computers and/or use interactive software for data analysis. In this work, we present the…

In an earlier contribution in "Physics Education" (Bitzenbauer and Meyn 2020 "Phys. Educ." 55 055031 [see EJ1263541]), we presented a new teaching sequence on quantum optics on the secondary school level, and we reported on promising results of a first pilot study concerning its learning effectiveness. In the sense of…

In the high school context, many students only solve photoelectric effect phenomena based on the equation for maximum kinetic energy and its relationship to work functions. While the story behind this phenomenon constitutes an exciting educational experience if conveyed in an attractive visual manner, many physics teachers are concerned that…

The aim of this study is to design an argumentation-based educational digital game to teach the subject of force. Through a design-based research method, each game section includes the argumentation questions that foster students to think about the 'force' subject. We pilot studied the game with 12 grade 4 students in a state primary school. After…

The glowing discharges of plasma obtained by introducing direct current high voltages between two electrodes in a chamber that contains a low pressure gas produces a spectacular effect that makes it attractive to be used as a laboratory experiment for students. Setting up this experiment is however costly and has crucial safety issues to be…

Light spectrum dispersion is an exciting subject in science because of its beautiful atmospheric colour phenomenon which attracts students. However, to see the phenomenon is not easy since it needs a spectrometer, which is commonly expensive. Therefore, the present study aims to describe a low-cost spectrometer for investigating lighting spectrum…

Waves are a relevant part of physics that students find difficult to grasp, even in those cases in which wave propagation kinematics can be visualized. This may hinder a proper understanding of sound, light or quantum physics phenomena that are explained using a wave model. So-called "human" waves, choreographed by people, have proved to…

A concept for undergraduate mechanics courses at universities is introduced where traditional pencil-paper based exercises are partially replaced by experimental exercises, in which smartphones are used as measurement devices. A detailed guidance for practical realization and implementation of these tasks formats into the course is presented.…

We propose an experimental activity in order to develop a mathematical model that relates step length and walking speed of human beings. We employ two well-known physics teaching softwares, namely, Tracker to carry out the video analysis and LibreOffice/Calc to obtain graphs, trend lines and equations. The predictions of our model are compared…

Physicists create spreadsheets customarily to carry out numerical calculations and to display their results in a meaningful, nice-looking way. Spreadsheets can also be used to display a vivid geometrical model of a physical system. This statement is illustrated with an example taken from geometrical optics: images formed by a thin lens. A careful…