Computer Simulations as a Tool to Assist Teaching Basics of Electromagnetism (Simulações Computacionais Como Ferramenta Auxiliar ao Ensino de Conceitos Básicos de Eletromagnetismo)



Title Computer Simulations as a Tool to Assist Teaching Basics of Electromagnetism (Simulações Computacionais Como Ferramenta Auxiliar ao Ensino de Conceitos Básicos de Eletromagnetismo)
Description In this work we report on an investigation carried out during the elaboration of a guide composed of activities for High School teachers, integrating the use of new technologies, especially the manipulation of computer simulations for teaching selected topics of electromagnetism. Our choice of topics is based on the reported difficulty students experience when learning concepts related to these physics contents, and also due to the relevance of this subject, mainly for its connection to natural phenomena and technology. The use of simulations in teaching is becoming a common practice, besides being the research theme of a growing number of authors. Simulations allow students to concentrate on the essence of the problem, contributing to a more efficient assimilation of the topic viewed in each computer experiment. The use of simulators also allows students to investigate situations which are difficult or impossible to realize in a laboratory, thus providing a better and deeper comprehension of the phenomena involved. The proposed activities are based on Delizoicov’s pedagogical phases: initial problematization, knowledge organization and concept application. First, teachers instigate students to explain the physics of familiar situations or phenomena. In the knowledge organization phase, we build and systematize concepts by discussing a given phenomenon. In the knowledge application phase, the concepts discussed in the second phase are extended to situations not approached previously. The guide consists of thirteen activities about electric circuits and eight activities about magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction. Most of the activities use the Circuit Construction Kit and Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab, both developed by the Physics Education Technology project, from the University of Colorado and are available online without charge.
Subject Physics
Level Middle School
Type Concept Questions, Demonstration, Lab, Other
Answers Included No
Language Portuguese (Brazil)
Keywords Computer simulations, Electromagnetism, Physics Teaching
Simulation(s) Circuit Construction Kit (DC Only), Faraday's Electromagnetic Lab

Author(s) Josué Antunes de Macêdo & Adriana Gomes Dickman
Contact Email josueama@gmail.com
School / Organization Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais
Date submitted 2/16/12
Date updated 2/16/12