This site covers topics related to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity. Included are modules on Galilean relativity, relativity and E & M, and Newton's laws, the speed of light, time dilation, and energy-mass equivalence. Each module contains an overview in the form of a Flash animation, as well as links that explore the topic in greater depth.
Type of Material:
collection
Recommended Uses:
Lecture supplement, adjunct material for the textbook, or perhaps homework. The initial animations and videos are rather low level and introductory. The links take the user deeper into the materials.
Technical Requirements:
Animations use Adobe Flash Player.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To understand the meaning of relativity in physical laws and the differences between the classical (Galilean version) and Einstein's version. The site also includes information on Gravity, Electricity and Magnetism, Time Dilation, Special Relativity, and General Relativity.
Target Student Population:
It is oriented towards intro level college. The supplemental material brings in the depth necessary for more advanced students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Varies, some sections require no prior knowledge; others require a basic knowledge of mechanics and E & M.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Overall, this site does an excellent job presenting topics that are notoriously difficult to grasp, particularly for non-scientists. Thought experiments illustrating relativity principles are presented in animated form. The video presentations were clear and correct. The animations were helpful and well constructed. The supplemental material goes into far greater depth than is initially obvious.
Concerns:
none
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Well done and effective presentation for the concepts covered. Each topic has multiple layers of coverage, beginning with an overview accessible to all users. Some links include the mathematical detail appropriate for students in science or related fields. There is a quiz included to determine if the concepts are internalized.
Concerns:
Simulations are not very interactive. No method is provided for user control of parameters, so students will not be able to experiment on their own with them.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Material is quite easy to use. The supplemental information is available in the sections where appropriate. The animations and videos do a very good job of conveying their information.
Concerns:
None noted.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
