Briefing Document: Flight and Aerospace Teaching & Learning Program with Open Source Physics

Date: October 26, 2023

1. Overview

This document summarizes the key aspects of the "20131007 collaboration in Flight and Aerospace Teaching and Learning programme" as detailed within the provided web page from the "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" project. The core of this initiative is the integration of open-source physics simulations, specifically using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) platform, into a flight and aerospace curriculum for a select group of students.

2. Key Themes

• Hands-on Learning with Simulations: The program emphasizes experiential learning through interactive physics simulations. The EJS platform is central, enabling students to manipulate and explore models related to rocket science and physics concepts.
• Open Educational Resources (OER): The entire project is firmly rooted in the use of OER and Open Source Physics (OSP) materials. This is evident in the use of EJS, freely available applets, and shared worksheets.
• Teacher Training & Collaboration: The program includes a teacher workshop component, demonstrating a commitment to training educators on using EJS effectively. Collaboration amongst teachers is a clear objective.
• Real-World Application: The focus on flight and aerospace aims to connect abstract physics principles to practical applications, making learning more engaging and relevant.
• Technology Integration: The use of Java, JavaScript, and HTML5 applets illustrates a focus on using technology to enhance understanding of scientific concepts.
• Iterative Improvement: The repeated mentions of 'older versions', and modifications based on teacher feedback (e.g. “added Energy versus t graph as requested by hillgrove sec teacher”) suggest a cycle of continuous development and improvement for the program's resources.
• Community and Sharing: The site itself is a repository of numerous physics-related simulations and tools, suggesting a community-driven effort to develop and share educational resources.

3. Important Details and Facts

• Target Audience: The initial program focuses on a specific class: "Class 3-8 (Triple Science Class)" with approximately 20 students selected using their "EOY Physics Marks."
• Training Team: The project includes "Co-Trainer: Lye Sze Yee" as well as 7 teachers who are planned to attend the teacher workshop.
• Software & Tools:Easy Java Simulations (EJS): This is the primary platform used to create and run the simulations. The specific version required was "EJS_5.0_beta_130912.zip".
• Java: The program requires Java to be installed. The installation link is: "http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp"
• Java 3D: Java 3D is also needed, highlighting the intention to have 3D simulations. The specific version and link provided is "Java 3D 1.5.1 2.95 MB java3d-1_5_1-windows-i586.exe" with a note that it "may require downloading from their website due to license agreement." http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javasebusiness/downloads/java-archive-downloads-java-client-419417.html#java3d-1.5.1-oth-JPR
• Program Structure: The program is structured with a teacher workshop followed by student sessions:
• Teacher Workshop dates: "07 Oct 18 Oct 2013 ( 1000 to 1200 2 pm - 5 pm )"
• Student Session dates: "23 Oct 2013 (Wed) ( 2 pm - 5 pm ) students, 1 Nov 2013 (Friday) ( 3 pm - 5 pm ) students, 8 Nov 2013 (Friday) ( 3 pm - 5 pm ) students"
• The venue for all is: "Computer Lab 4"
• Pre-Reading Materials: Teachers were expected to review:
• A worksheet introducing EJS: "Worksheet:Modeling Science Textbook Chapter 2: Introduction to Easy Java Simulations written by Wolfgang Christian and Francisco Esquembre"
• Two research articles: "arXiv:1212.3863 [pdfhttp://www.compadre.org/osp/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=11294&DocID=2309&Attachment=1j2p-password"
• A template source file. "http://www.compadre.org/osp/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=11294&DocID=2312&Attachment=1"
• An example of a completed rocket model using EJS: "https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44365627/lookangEJSworkspace/export/ejs_RocketTemplatewee.jar"
• Rocket Physics Model: The central simulation focuses on a "Open Source Rocket Physics Java Applet Model" based on work by Larry Engelhardt and completed by lookang, demonstrating a collaborative creation model of simulation development.

4. Key Quotes

• “Thanks for taking the time off to come to Hillgrove to discuss about our collaboration in Flight and Aerospace Teaching and Learning programme.” - This shows the importance of the collaboration to those involved.
• “Use EJS to build the model for the rocket, a completed work could look like this…” - This clearly outlines the hands-on goal for participants.
• “added Energy versus t graph as requested by hillgrove sec teacher:” - This demonstrates the responsiveness of the program development to teacher needs.
• “request concept sketch by hillgrove sec teacher, wind and projectile x direction is not model in yet.” - This highlights the ongoing development and feedback loop.

5. Connections to Broader Site

The provided document is part of a larger effort, as evidenced by the extensive list of other simulation projects on the webpage. This includes:

• A wide array of physics topics covered through simulations (dynamics, kinematics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, etc.)
• Use of Tracker video analysis tool, and integrations with other OSP resources.
• A focus on both primary and secondary school levels.
• A wide range of technology applications beyond simulations, including using Javascript, 3D graphics, and web-based tools.

6. Conclusion

The "20131007 collaboration in Flight and Aerospace Teaching and Learning programme" is a clear example of how open educational resources and interactive simulations can be used to enhance science education. The program demonstrates a commitment to teacher training, hands-on learning, and continuous improvement. It's a snapshot of a larger, ongoing effort to bring OER and OSP principles into Singapore classrooms and beyond. The extensive list of other simulations and educational resources on the website further underscores the scope of this collaborative project.

http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2013/08/collaboration-in-flight-and-aerospace.html

 http://weelookang.blogspot.com/2013/11/coding-rocket-science-innergy-2014.html 

Thanks for taking the time off to come to Hillgrove to discuss about our collaboration in Flight and Aerospace Teaching and Learning programme.
As discussed earlier, some of the details are:

Class Involved: Class 3-8 (Triple Science Class)
No of students: Estimated to be about 20
Methods Of Selection of students: Using EOY Physics Marks
Co-Trainer: Lye Sze Yee
Dates:
07 Oct 18 Oct 2013  ( 1000 to 1200 2 pm - 5 pm ) teacher workshop
Venue: Computer Lab 4
1. Lilian
2, Jennifer
3. Usha
4. Samson
5. Seh Hoe
6. Jaime
7. Derrick

Steps:

download, unzip and run (click on EJSConsole.jar): EJS_5.0_beta_130912.zip
Pre Installation: assume you have Java else use this link http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp

Installation: Java 3D 1.5.1 2.95 MB java3d-1_5_1-windows-i586.exe may require downloading from their website due to license agreement.http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javasebusiness/downloads/java-archive-downloads-java-client-419417.html#java3d-1.5.1-oth-JPR Look for Allen to install 3D Java on your lap tops

Pre-reading:

Video Tutorial:

http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2011/02/easy-java-simulation-tutorial.html

Actual Material for Students:

1. PDF worksheet here http://www.compadre.org/osp/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=11294&DocID=2309&Attachment=1 j2p-password
2. Template source file: http://www.compadre.org/osp/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=11294&DocID=2312&Attachment=1
3. Use EJS to build the model for the rocket, a completed work could look like thishttps://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44365627/lookangEJSworkspace/export/ejs_RocketTemplatewee.jar

23 Oct 2013 (Wed) ( 2 pm - 5 pm ) students
1 Nov 2013 (Friday) ( 3 pm - 5 pm ) students
8 Nov 2013 (Friday) ( 3 pm - 5 pm ) students
Venue: Computer Lab 4

 

added Energy versus t graph as requested by hillgrove sec teacher: Open Source Rocket Physics Java Applet Model by lookang, based on assignment given by Larry Engelhardt http://www.compadre.org/osp/items/detail.cfm?ID=11294 http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2013/04/ejs-open-source-rocket-physics-java.html author: Larry Engelhardt and assignment completed by lookang PDF worksheet here http://www.compadre.org/osp/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=11294&DocID=2309&Attachment=1 Template source file: http://www.compadre.org/osp/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=11294&DocID=2312&Attachment=1 https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44365627/lookangEJSworkspace/export/ejs_RocketTemplatewee.jar

added m versus t graph as requested by hillgrove sec teacher: Open Source Rocket Physics Java Applet Model by lookang, based on assignment given by Larry Engelhardt http://www.compadre.org/osp/items/detail.cfm?ID=11294 http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2013/04/ejs-open-source-rocket-physics-java.html author: Larry Engelhardt and assignment completed by lookang https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44365627/lookangEJSworkspace/export/ejs_RocketTemplatewee.jar

request concept sketch by hillgrove sec teacher, wind and projectile x direction is not model in yet.

older version:

Open Source Rocket Physics Java Applet Model by lookang, based on assignment given by Larry Engelhardt http://www.compadre.org/osp/items/detail.cfm?ID=11294 http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2013/04/ejs-open-source-rocket-physics-java.html author: Larry Engelhardt and assignment completed by lookang https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/44365627/lookangEJSworkspace/export/ejs_RocketTemplatewee.jar

FAQ: Flight and Aerospace Teaching and Learning Program using Open Source Physics

1. What is the Flight and Aerospace Teaching and Learning program about, and who is it for?
2. This program is a collaborative initiative focusing on teaching and learning within the context of flight and aerospace, using open-source physics tools. It's specifically designed for a group of approximately 20 students from a triple science class (Class 3-8) at Hillgrove Secondary School. Students are selected based on their end-of-year physics marks, suggesting a focus on engaging those with an existing interest or aptitude in the subject. The program includes both teacher workshops and student sessions.
3. What tools and resources are used in the program?
4. The program heavily relies on Easy Java Simulations (EJS), an open-source modeling tool. Participants download and run EJS via EJSConsole.jar. Key pre-readings include a modeling textbook chapter on EJS and academic papers featuring EJS based simulations of a geostationary satellite and one-dimensional collision carts. Actual student materials involve PDF worksheets, template source files, and an example rocket model built with EJS, specifically “ejs_RocketTemplatewee.jar.” Additionally, Java 3D needs to be installed for 3D simulations.
5. What are the key activities and learning experiences for students?
6. Students actively engage in building and experimenting with physics models using EJS. They’ll build models, such as a rocket, which is a main focus within the program. The program also involves working with worksheets and template source files, using tools like EJS to create their own models. The learning process is focused on experiential learning through building and observing simulations, with concepts like energy conservation being made interactive and visual through EJS's graphs.
7. What are the learning outcomes and concepts emphasized in the program?
8. The program aims to enhance students' conceptual understanding of physics through the use of interactive simulations. Specific concepts are tied to the models they construct. For example, the rocket model helps understand physics principles like the relationship between energy and time (represented through provided EJS graphs), and the change of mass of the rocket over time. In the collisions model, concepts of velocity, acceleration, energy, momentum, and their relationship to each other, become visual and experientially understandable.
9. How is the program structured in terms of time and events?
10. The program involves a series of teacher training workshops and separate student learning sessions. The teacher workshops occurred on October 7th and 18th, 2013. The student sessions were on October 23rd, November 1st, and November 8th, 2013, all held in Computer Lab 4. These sessions involve pre-reading materials, practical work using the models, and group collaboration. It is designed as a short, intensive experience with a specific timetable to help learning in the context of a course.
11. Who are the key individuals involved in the program's design and implementation?
12. Several key individuals are involved, including Lye Sze Yee (Co-Trainer) and various teachers such as Lilian, Jennifer, Usha, Samson, Seh Hoe, Jaime, and Derrick who are listed as attendees to one of the workshops. The program also utilizes existing work by Larry Engelhardt and Loo Kang Wee in open source physics models. Wolfgang Christian and Francisco Esquembre are key contributors to EJS, the primary tool used in the program.
13. What kind of pre-existing resources and projects does this program build on?
14. The program leverages a broad range of existing open educational resources and open-source physics simulations. This includes models for topics like wave superposition, collisions, geostationary satellites, and rocket physics, built using tools like EJS and Tracker, also including models used in projects and workshops by Prof. Fu-Kwun Hwang, Wolfgang Christian, and others. These resources, which are available through platforms like the Open Source Physics site and blog posts, provide a rich library of materials for the students and teachers to draw upon.
15. What is Easy Java Simulations (EJS) and why is it central to this program?
16. Easy Java Simulations (EJS) is an open-source authoring tool that allows users to create interactive simulations and models, especially suited for physics education. Its visual, hands-on approach aligns with the program's goal of facilitating a deeper conceptual understanding of physics through building and observing simulations, rather than just passively learning through textbooks. EJS is central because it's used to build and interact with the rocket model and other simulations, allowing students to manipulate variables and directly observe their effects on the simulated system.