This website contains Java simulations related to the discovery and development of quantum physics such as the photoelectric effect, Davisson-Germer experiment, Rutherford scattering, fundamental principles such as bound states in various potentials and quantum tunneling, applications of quantum physics such as lasers and neon lights, and semi-classical treatment of radioactivity. This site is primarily conceptual in nature however some quantitative measurements can be made. Simulations can be used over a range of levels, although some are only suitable for university level. Each simulation includes an individualized teacher guide, and activity sheets with level and type indicated.
Type of Material:
Java and Flash simulations.
Recommended Uses:
Pre-class or in-class demonstrations as well as reinforcing material discussed in class by the Instructor. It could be used for virtual laboratory exercises as well.
Technical Requirements:
Standard web browser with Java installed. Simulations can be downloaded, in which case an internet connection is not needed at the time of running the simulations.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To make connections between real-life phenomena and the underlying science; to build physical intuition for quantum mechanics concepts by visualizing microscopic processes; to visually comprehend concepts; to increase the ability to connect multiple representations; to encourage qualitative and quantitative exploration; increased engagement through exploration and interactivity.
Target Student Population:
Many of the simulations can be used at high school level (and some, such as radioactivity, even at middle school level) but also in more rigorous university courses to enhance conceptual understanding alongside the mathematical treatment of the topic. The simulations on bound state energy levels, quantum tunneling and spin angular momentum are aimed at university students studying quantum physics.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Prerequisite knowledge varies widely across the simulations.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
These simulations focus on core aspects of quantum physics, and show historical aspects of the development of quantum theory as well as modern applications.
Many simulations allow great flexibility of the situations to be modeled and their representations. Simulations link concepts to everyday situations and phenomena students know well. Simulations help students visualize particles and quantum phenomena they cannot observe directly in actual experiments. Simulations are highly interactive, and help students to determine relationships between quantities (such as the relationship between potential energy and the wave function shape).
Concerns:
Some aspects of helping students make real-world connections and showing phenomena that help build mental representations compromise physical accuracy. It could be helpful to include timescales or typical values of parameters in some of the simulations to ensure correct understanding of concepts.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This website can be used in a number of different situations; as a pre-class activity to enable the students to have an idea about the topic before instruction, as an in-class activity to supplement instruction, as a virtual laboratory setting, or to complete a homework assignment. The webpages include a collection of assignments and lesson plans that can be used for different simulations.
Concerns:
The submitted lesson plans and course resources vary in quality. A number of discussion comments show that instructors would find it helpful to have solutions to worksheets (e.g. password-protected) directly available on the site. It would be useful if instructors were willing to provide additional background information on their worksheets including type of use and issues encountered.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Overall, the simulations are extremely well designed, and users should be able to start interacting with simulations without difficulties.
Legends are used to define depicted quantities. Controls are clearly separated from the legend in the right-hand menu, and their functions are obvious. Controls and simulation layout are consistent across all simulations. Care has been taken that simulations do not appear over-complicated on start-up. Several simulations include game-like features that create a fun environment for exploration.
Concerns:
All simulations have a help menu point, but in some simulations it is greyed out and no information is available. Some of the displays and graphs are quite dense in terms of information content.
Creative Commons:
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