PP+ RC Circuits vs Michael Faraday

The RC Circuits lab uses a power supply, voltmeters, capacitors, and resistors to investigate RC circuits. It is part of Polyhedron Physics Plus, a set of 24 iPad apps for use in the classroom. To see how they work, try the FREE PP+ Newton’s 2nd Law lab. For those who’d prefer to develop their own experiments, the PP RC Circuits app features a similar apparatus without lab procedures and other supporting materials. In addition to a 3D simulation that produces realistic data, each lab includes introductory videos, background theory, experimental procedure, analysis and reporting tools, pre-lab quiz, post-lab questions, and teacher support materials. The experimental data produced by the simulations are realistic, including random and systematic errors. These features allow students to use standard data analysis and error analysis techniques to report on their own unique data, just as if the experiment had been performed using hands-on equipment. These labs can serve as replacements for hands-on labs, especially when equipment is not available, or as supplements to hands-on labs. They are also a suitable option for students in distance learning and home school situations. Formative and summative evaluations showed no significant difference in learning between students using the virtual labs and those using hands-on labs. Preliminary results suggest increased learning by students using the virtual labs as supplements to hands-on. Polyhedron Physics was developed by Polyhedron Learning Media, Inc. with partial funding provided under contract numbers ED-07-CO-0040 and ED-IES-11-C-0029 from the Institute of Education Sciences in the U.S. Department of Education through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

With this app students learn about the life and contributions to our understanding of electromagnetism made by Michael Faraday. It discusses some of the early experiments that reveal the properties of electromagnetism and how electricity and magnetism are inextricably related. Diagrams are used to illustrate key concepts. Michael Faraday proposed a theory to explain electromagnetism. Through his laboratory experiments he showed how a magnet can have an effect on the flow of a current. The app presents a survey of the significant contributions that Michael Faraday made to further the development of modern chemistry and physics. He was the first to reveal the nature of electromagnetism. He showed through his famous 'ice pail' experiment that the charge of a circuit is influenced by charged metal sphere. Students will enjoy using this graphically illustrated, interactive learning tool. The timeline feature presents key events in the history of chemistry and physics and tapping on timeline points brings up descriptions of each of the milestones that led to our modern understanding of electromagnetism. A quiz function helps students demonstrate their comprehension of the reading material. Key concepts related to electromagnetism are shown in colorful illustrations. We hope this app will inspire students to study chemistry, physics and science in general. The app shows that Michael Faraday certainly deserves a significant place in the history of electromagnetism.