Algodoo: a Tool for Encouraging Creativity in Physics Teaching and Learning Bor Gregorcic, and Madelen Bodin
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Algodoo: A Tool for Encouraging Creativity in Physics Teaching and Learning Bor Gregorcic, and Madelen Bodin Citation: The Physics Teacher 55, 25 (2017); doi: 10.1119/1.4972493 View online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.4972493 View Table of Contents: http://aapt.scitation.org/toc/pte/55/1 Published by the American Association of Physics Teachers Articles you may be interested in Do-It-Yourself Whiteboard-Style Physics Video Lectures The Physics Teacher 55, 22 (2016); 10.1119/1.4972492 An Introduction to the New SI The Physics Teacher 55, 16 (2016); 10.1119/1.4972491 A Simple, Inexpensive Acoustic Levitation Apparatus The Physics Teacher 55, 6 (2016); 10.1119/1.4972488 A Fan-tastic Alternative to Bulbs: Learning Circuits with Fans The Physics Teacher 55, 13 (2016); 10.1119/1.4972490 Terms vs. Concepts – The Case of Weight The Physics Teacher 55, 34 (2016); 10.1119/1.4972495 Spark Ignition of Combustible Vapor in a Plastic Bottle as a Demonstration of Rocket Propulsion The Physics Teacher 55, 30 (2016); 10.1119/1.4972494 Algodoo: A Tool for Encouraging Creativity in Physics Teaching and Learning Bor Gregorcic, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Sweden Madelen Bodin, Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Umeå University, Sweden lgodoo (http://www.algodoo.com) is a digital sand- sualization, graph plotting, and multiple ways of sharing and box for physics 2D simulations. It allows students organizing user-created environments (“scenes”) and lessons. and teachers to easily create simulated “scenes” and These features make Algodoo more attractive as a teaching Aexplore physics through a user-friendly and visually attractive and learning software in physics and technology.7 interface. In this paper, we present different ways in which Algodoo is currently available as a free download for Win- students and teachers can use Algodoo to visualize and solve dows and Mac OS and is also available for iPad for a price of physics problems, investigate phenomena and processes, and $5. It is also well suited for use on interactive whiteboards engage in out-of-school activities and projects. Algodoo, with (IWBs), with no additional cost, since it is free for Windows its approachable interface, inhabits a middle ground between and Mac platforms. An inexperienced user can learn more computer games and “serious” computer modeling. It is suit- about Algodoo by visiting the online Algodoo forum (acces- able as an entry-level modeling tool for students of all ages sible through the official website), or going to YouTube to and can facilitate discussions about the role of computer mod- search for and watch video tutorials and demonstrations gen- eling in physics. erated by an online community of Algodoo enthusiasts. Introduction Useful features Algodoo is designed with the constructionist learning1 ap- In addition to allowing each individual user to create proach in mind, allowing users to construct mathematical and highly customizable environments—the so-called scenes— scientific knowledge by creating interactive simulations based Algodoo offers a rich repertoire of possibilities for different on Newtonian mechanics and geometrical optics. The soft- representations. For example, it allows the user to selectively ware is a result of new technology in terms of faster computers display vector arrows of forces acting upon a selected object, and better numerical solving methods,2,3 which have made the sum of all forces on an object, and their Cartesian com- it possible to build high-performance computational physics ponents. It allows real-time plotting of multiple quantities, engines that, with the addition of a user-friendly interface, are from position, velocity and acceleration, force, momentum, also accessible to users without previous knowledge in com- and angular momentum to different forms of energy. Another putational physics. example of a useful representation tool is the tracer. A tracer, There are other examples of simulation environments for which can be attached to any part of an object, leaves a trace learning physics, e.g., PhET simulations4 and Physlets.5 Al- of a pre-set duration on the background, allowing the user to godoo differs from these environments mainly by being less track its movement. Properties of objects such as their mass restricted, leaving the user the freedom to create elaborate (or density), coefficient of friction, restitution (bounciness), simulations that combine many different mechanisms or or index of refraction, as well as their visual appearance, can phenomena. Its open-endedness can be both a benefit and a be adjusted through an easily accessible pop-up menu, or drawback. In this paper, we present its potential for creative simply by choosing among common materials such as steel, engagement. wood, stone, gold, or rubber. More “global” physical param- The first version of Algodoo was released in 2008 under eters such as the strength of gravity or air resistance can also the name of Phun. Within days the software gathered a large be adjusted through a dedicated menu. This allows for a great community of users who recognized its possibilities for creat- flexibility in simulating hypothetical scenarios that are impos- ing simulations and using it as a tool kit for demonstrations, sible or very difficult to achieve in school labs (for example, computer games, or storytelling.6 Through the education turning off gravity or quickly changing the refractive index community, Phun found its way into classrooms, where of a lens). Any setup or scene that we prepare can be saved in students of different age groups could build relatively ad- a small (< 1 MB) file and then opened on any computer with vanced physics simulations to explore and investigate diverse an installation of Algodoo. The scenes can also be shared with phenomena and processes. Further development, which has other users through a built-in online depository. This allows to a high degree been user driven, has led to the more edu- sharing and collaboration among students, taking scenes cationally complete product Algodoo. In these later versions home from class, bringing them to school after preparing new features have been added, such as force and velocity vi- them at home, etc. DOI: 10.1119/1.4972493 THE PHYSICS TEACHER ◆ Vol. 55, JANUARY 2017 25 Ways of using Algodoo for learning and and plots are drawn in real time while the simulation is run- teaching physics ning, but can also be paused to allow a step-wise analysis. Below, we provide a list of examples that suggest and 3. Investigating phenomena and processes illustrate six different ways of using Algodoo in physics The interactivity and flexibility of Algodoo makes possible instruction. an investigative approach to new physics topics, including topics where there are few possibilities for real experiments, such as astronomy, for example. The combination of Algodoo and modern hardware touch-screen interfaces, such as the interactive whiteboard (IWB), provides a hands-on learning environment in the classroom, even in topics where student physical engagement was traditionally not common, or even completely absent. One such example is using the combina- tion of the IWB and Algodoo to help students learn about the orbital motion of planets and satellites by allowing them to create and throw planets into orbit around a massive star8,9 (Fig. 3). Note that it is much more convenient and less awk- ward to throw planets into orbit on an IWB than by using a computer mouse. Fig. 1. An array of light beams passing through a user-drawn heart-shaped “lens.” One can adjust the positioning and rotation of each individual light source, the array as a whole, as well as the heart-shaped “lens.” The wavelength (color) of the light as well as the index of refraction of the heart can also be adjusted. Lenses of more familiar shapes can also be made by graphically adding and subtracting different shapes, such as circles and rectangles of custom sizes. 1. Visualization Algodoo’s user-friendly graphical interface (Fig. 1) allows the user to create customizable visualizations to accompany and improve explanations and serve as observational displays to provide students with vivid images. Students and teachers can decide to keep it quick and simple, or modify the scene Fig. 3. Algodoo in combination with touch-screen inter- faces, such as the interactive whiteboard, allows stu- (conceptually and visually) to meet their specific needs and dents to engage in hands-on investigation on an expand- requirements. The scenes can be edited on the spot, as new ed range of topics, including those that traditionally do ideas arise, allowing continuous adjustment of the scene. not offer such opportunities. In the above image, a stu- dent is throwing a heart-shaped object (that she created 2. Problem-solving tool on the spot) into orbit around the massive star-like yellow object. If thrown with an appropriate velocity, the object Students and teachers can use Algodoo to design and run will start orbiting the “star” on an elliptic orbit. “quick and dirty” simulations in order to start building an un- derstanding 4. Student project work of concrete Student engagement with Algodoo may not only be problems. limited to the classroom. Since it is freely available, runs on They can different platforms, and allows easy transfer of saved scenes make use of across computers and platforms, it is very well suited for various rep- projects where students work outside of school. An example resentational is a Swedish national competition in technology and physics possibilities for lower secondary schools, which got students engaged in (Fig. 2). One a month-long project with the goal of designing a vehicle in can display Algodoo that would take part in a simulated obstacle course force or ve- Fig. 2. A quick and easy simulation of horizontal race (Fig.