Useful links to applets, games and other useful physics websites
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Jointly funded by Public Understanding of Science Small Awards, PPARC, Swindon, UK and Department of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
This page is under development, please email phys-pp-outreach@bristol.ac.uk with any suggestions or comments.
The symbol S means that shockwave is required in order to view certain aspects of a website.
Applets
Java applets are designed to allow people to experiment with interesting physics they would not normally encounter. They are written so that they obey the relevant laws of physics as closely as possible. They tend to be suitable for GCSE and A-level students although some may be aimed at a degree level audience. A few of the applets are suitable for younger pupils.
Fowler's Physics Applets are generally very clear and well explained. Also, the source code is available for download.
The applets include demonstrations of Newton's cannon, Rutherford scattering, group velocity & phase velocity, projectile motion, Brownian motion, one dimensional classical gas, two dimensional collisions and a model nonequilibrium system.
Physics Web Resources contains links to applets divided into lots of different topics, including astronomy, electronics, energy, particle physics and thermodynamics for a range of ages and abilities.
Physlets is generally aimed at pupils with a high level of understanding and can be quite difficult to navigate (Hint: click on the "Java 1.0" and "Java 1.1" buttons on the left of the home page). However, a huge range of topics are covered and some of the applets are excellent.
Physics 2000 contains some very interesting applets for all ages - it even includes a simulation of marshmallows in a microwave!
The applets are divided into the following topics: Bose-Einstein condensation, microwave ovens, the two-slit experiment, x-rays and CAT scans, electromagnetic waves and particles, the periodic table, television and laptops, Doppler and lasers.
General Physics Applets contains applets on maths, kinematics, dynamics, oscillations, waves, heat, electricity and optics. Some include a good explanation of the physics behind the experiment, others contain little or no explanation.
University of Oregon applets are generally excellent. They cover astrophysics, energy & environment, mechanics and thermodynamics to varying levels. Most are accompanied by an explanation.
Games
There are a few good physics games online.
Fear of Physics contains quite a lot of physics puzzles that use videos and animations to good effect. Most are suitable for GCSE level or below.
S Fermilabyrinth, by Fermilab (see below) is an interesting approach to teaching ideas about particle physics. Generally suited to A-level students.
Useful Websites
Particle Physics websites
Contemporary Physics Education Project. Useful educational resources on the topics of fundamental particles and interactions, plasma physics and fusion, nuclear science, the history and fate of the universe.
The Particle Detector BriefBook is a particle physics glossary. Probably best suited to A-level pupils.
The Particle Adventure is very good and in-depth history and explanation of particle physics including details of particle accelerators. Includes a link to the infamous quarkdance.
Particle Physics Education Sites. A list of links to other physics websites. They are primarily particle physics but also include links to websites for minorities in physics and general physics links.
Particle Physics from the American Physical Society. Another list of good particle physics links, it also has a lot of links on other physics topics.
European Particle Physics Outreach Group
Other websites
Science Club - why not start a science club at your school? This website will give you lots of help and advice.
Teaching Resources
Particle Physics Posters - free upon request, though if larger orders are placed, p&p must be paid. Also available as summary sheets for individuals.
Teacher Training in Primary School Science
Teaching Ideas supplies lots of ideas for experiments for primary age children and generally supplies printable worksheets for each experiment.
physics.org - Loads of links to interesting science websites. You can type in a specific physics-related question and enter your age and knowledge level and it will return a selection of appropriate websites that might help you.