🚀 go-pugleaf

I would like to add something to what has been said about the
value of computer simulations in particular. I think a simulation
that allows students to gain experience with applying physical principles
to realistic simulated experiments can be valuable. I think there is no
question that there is more motivation and satisfaction to be obtained
in a "practical" application of physical laws than in going through
virtually the same steps in working a stated problem. A well-designed and
presented simulation can provide a situation that is just as engaging
as a real experiment to a student. I'm speaking of simulations that require
thought, measurement, and analysis. Redish's note in the Nov-Dec 1993 issue
of Computers in Physics made the point about the inferiority of the arcade
game sort of simulation very well.

Secondly there are simulations of experiments that are just flat impossible
to do in a real classroom. Most modern physics experiments fit into this
category. My own simulation of a particle-detector (Chamber Works) fits
into this category (and I hope into the good sort I described in the
preceding paragraph).

In summary, I'm for the simulations that allow students to "play physicicst"
not play God. I'm totally convinced that computer simulations will be a
very important part of physics learning in the future.

Bob Estes
Harard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
617/495-7261
estes@cfa.harvard.edu

(onscrn @aol.com for info about Chamber Works for Macintosh)